Dos-Af-Mwi-Fy24-01

The U.S. Mission to Malawi, operating under the U.S. Department of State, has announced a discretionary grant opportunity through the Fiscal Transparency Innovation Fund (Assistance Listing 19.662). This grant, titled DOS-AF-MWI-FY24-01, is made possible through FY 2024 Economic Support Funds, with an anticipated funding ceiling of $781,854 for a single award. The overarching objective of this initiative is to enhance fiscal transparency in Malawi's extractive sector, especially in relation to mining revenues and their impact on government borrowing and debt management. The initiative underscores the United States' commitment to supporting ethical governance, anti-corruption efforts, and investor confidence through data transparency and regulatory integrity. The core aim of the program is to improve public access to critical financial and operational data tied to Malawi’s mining sector. Specific areas of focus include licensing and contract awarding processes, disclosure of beneficial ownership, and transparent reporting of mining revenues and public debt. These efforts are aligned with international benchmarks, particularly the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and are expected to foster more equitable taxation and informed investment decisions while reducing the prevalence of corruption and illicit financial activities. By enhancing regulatory clarity and data transparency, the program seeks to stabilize the business environment and strengthen oversight by Parliament and the public on matters of national borrowing. Applicants are expected to design programs that will result in greater transparency and accountability. Outcomes should include the establishment or improvement of standards for publishing national debt data, the development of platforms or systems for regular publication of extractive revenue data, and stakeholder engagement that bolsters community-level understanding of and participation in oversight efforts. The effort to enhance fiscal discipline and responsible mining revenue use is not only a national governance concern but also a vital step toward economic stability in Malawi. This grant opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants. Eligible organizations include not-for-profit entities such as think tanks, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and civil society organizations regardless of 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Both public and private educational institutions are also eligible, as are Public International Organizations and governmental institutions. Applicants are encouraged to have a deep understanding of fiscal transparency, experience working in the region, and the ability to implement and sustain data governance initiatives. The grant opportunity was first posted on July 25, 2025, and the application window will close on August 25, 2025. The project performance period may last up to twenty-four months. There are no requirements for cost-sharing or matching funds. The total funding amount for this grant is $781,854, with both the award ceiling and floor set at the same amount, indicating only one grant award is anticipated. All documentation and applications must be submitted electronically as indicated on the Grants.gov portal. Prospective applicants requiring assistance or further clarification may contact John Matsen at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe via email at LilongweFTIF@state.gov. No phone number is provided in the official announcement. For more information and to apply, applicants should refer to the MyGrants link associated with the opportunity. All applications must be complete and submitted by the closing date to be considered.