U.S. Embassy Lusaka Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy Lusaka Public Diplomacy Section has announced a forecasted opportunity under its Annual Program Statement for Fiscal Year 2025. The grant initiative, managed by the U.S. Mission to Zambia, supports proposals that align with core U.S. government objectives in Zambia. The grant seeks to foster increased mutual understanding between the United States and Zambia through activities that feature American cultural elements or direct involvement from American experts or institutions. The overarching goal is to enhance U.S. security, prosperity, and global influence by strengthening public diplomacy. This opportunity is open to registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, as well as Public International Organizations, governmental institutions, and public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Applicants must design programs that have clear, measurable objectives and anticipated outcomes. Each proposal must identify a defined audience and specify how changes in knowledge, attitude, or behavior will be evaluated. Regular reporting to the U.S. Embassy and site visits from embassy officials are expected components of the award administration. Proposals are particularly encouraged in several priority areas: enhancing the capacity of the mining and critical minerals sector, promoting independent journalism and media transparency, combating illegal timber and mining trade, and encouraging entrepreneurship, business development, and climate reforms. Projects based in rural areas, smaller cities, and Zambia's Copperbelt and North-Western Provinces are especially welcome. The estimated total funding for the program is not specified, but individual awards will range between $5,000 and $40,000. The Embassy anticipates issuing up to five awards. Importantly, this program does not support proposals for conference events. Matching funds are not required, and applicants are expected to provide detailed implementation plans that avoid passive activities like workshops or meetings without direct outcomes. The estimated post date for this opportunity is May 10, 2025, with applications due by June 12, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced by August 29, 2025, and projects may start as early as December 1, 2025. This is not a rolling application opportunity, and the grant does not currently recur on a defined cycle. Applicants seeking further clarification can contact Austin G. Ngoma of the Public Affairs Section at 2601357407. Further information will be available on the U.S. Embassy's official website.