U.S. Department of State, Bureau of NEA/AC seeking Applications for “Promoting Fintech Sector in MENA” Program

Deadline: 20 May 2019

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) is inviting applicants for a program entitled “Promoting Fintech Sector in MENA”.

Aligned with the Department of State’s regional strategic objective of promoting increased employment, economic growth and U.S. economic and commercial engagement, this funding opportunity seeks to advance this strategic objective through a focus on development of the region’s financial technology (Fintech) sector. The initiatives supported under this opportunity will promote the Fintech industry through partnerships, technical assistance, and joint ventures with the private sector from the United States and other regions. Initiatives will encourage the formalization of Fintech enterprises, develop and implement business strategies and models for economic growth, and enhance the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for Fintech in the region.

Through this funding opportunity, NEA/AC seeks to develop this emerging market and promote U.S. economic interests by encouraging the U.S. private sector to both invest in and facilitate partnerships in the Fintech sector in the MENA region.

Award Information

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000
Estimated Award Ceiling: $1,000,000
Estimated Award Floor: $500,000
Estimated Length of Project Period: 12-30 months

Eligible Countries and Territories

In this announcement, NEA/AC seeks to support projects with activities in the broader MENA region. Submissions may include all countries/territories covered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, with the exceptions of Iraq, Syria, Iran, and West Bank/Gaza. Locations of activities and project beneficiaries will be determined through program design and implementation. As a program intended to benefit MENA stakeholders, the majority of activities should take place in the MENA region.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. or foreign
- Non-profit organizations;
- For-profit organizations; or
- Small businesses with functional and regional experience in the areas of technology and Fintech.
NEA/AC strongly encourages applications from organizations headquartered in the Middle East and North Africa region. International non-governmental organizations with principal bases of operations outside the Middle East and North Africa are also encouraged to apply, but the percentage of total budget actually spent in the region through local partners will be among the elements of evaluation for this competition.
NEA/AC is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and activities. NEA/AC welcomes applications irrespective of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. They encourage applications from organizations working with underserved communities, including women, people with disabilities, and youth.
NEA/AC encourages applicants to address gender considerations, ensuring both men and women benefit from support.