U.S-Nigeria Creative, Digital, Innovation Economy Initiative

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Consulate General Lagos Public Diplomacy Section, has issued an Annual Program Statement for the U.S.-Nigeria Creative, Digital, and Innovation Economy Initiative. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the United States and Nigeria by supporting programs that enhance collaboration across creative, digital, and innovation sectors. The initiative aligns with U.S. public diplomacy goals to generate measurable economic benefits for U.S. companies, expand market opportunities, and support job creation through bilateral engagement. The primary purpose of this grant program is to increase two-way trade and investment by addressing knowledge and infrastructure gaps that limit Nigerian professionals from effectively engaging with U.S. companies. The program focuses on building professional knowledge, legal frameworks, and institutional connections. It emphasizes seven priority themes, including intellectual property infrastructure, alumni network activation, streaming and digital rights, co-production and market access, U.S. education and tech credentialing, gaming and emerging technology, and content creation using U.S. platforms and AI tools. Each funded project must align with at least one of these themes and demonstrate clear pathways to commercial outcomes. Funding is provided through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy funds, with total available funding ranging from 250000 to 500000 dollars. Individual awards range from 20000 to 60000 dollars, and multiple awards are anticipated depending on application quality and available funding. Projects must be completed within a maximum performance period of 24 months. While cost sharing is not required, it is encouraged and may strengthen applications, particularly when involving U.S. company partners with commercial interest in the proposed activities. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Nigerian nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as primary recipients but may participate as sub-contractors. Applicants must demonstrate relevant organizational experience, capacity to manage U.S. government funding, and compliance with financial and reporting requirements. The program excludes funding for activities such as construction, direct social services, political or religious programming, and purely commercial ventures without public diplomacy value. Applications must be submitted via email and include required federal forms, a detailed proposal narrative, budget documentation, and supporting attachments such as resumes and letters of support. The proposal narrative must clearly define the problem, objectives, program design, implementation timeline, and monitoring and evaluation plan. Special emphasis is placed on documenting measurable commercial outcomes such as partnerships, transactions, and credential attainment. Applicants must also maintain compliance with SAM.gov registration and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier prior to submission. The application window opens on July 22, 2026, and closes on August 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM WAT. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Award decisions are expected within 30 days of the deadline, with projects anticipated to begin in September 2026. Selected recipients must adhere to strict reporting requirements, including performance reports, financial documentation, and a final report within 60 days of project completion. The program may be repeated annually as part of the Consulate’s ongoing public diplomacy strategy.

Focus on measurable commercial outcomes align clearly with one priority theme integrate American Spaces and alumni networks and demonstrate sustainability beyond grant period