U.S. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AND PARTNERS GE AFRICA AND USAID REACH THE GOAL OF

‘50 AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS FOR OFF-GRID ENERGY’

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Julia L. Tanton
Telephone: +1 202-233-8811 | Email: jlingham@usadf.gov | Twitter: @USADF

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) announces it has reached its goal of 50 grants awarded to African energy entrepreneurs. The Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge, now in its third year, has awarded $5.0 million to 50 African owned and managed energy companies across the continent. The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is part of Power Africa’s Beyond the Grid initiative, which aims to drive private investment in off-grid and small-scale renewable energy solutions.

·         The Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge has selected 50 African-owned and managed energy entrepreneurs in nine African countries across the continent (Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) totaling $5 million dollars.

·         These renewable energy projects will utilize technologies such as solar home systems, solar and micro-hydro, mini-grids, solar cold storage systems, biogas for refrigeration and pasteurization and retailing of solar products through a mobile platform.  

·         Derrick Hosea, founder and CEO of OneLamp and winner in the latest round of funding for the Off-Grid Challenge in Uganda, said, “USADF values Africans and our enterprising spirit. They invest in Africa, by Africans – and that sets them apart from other development agencies. Nobody else is doing that.” He is one of three companies in Uganda awarded $100,000 in funding for his on-demand delivery service for clean energy. 

The U.S. African Development Foundation is the only federal agency dedicated entirely to Africa, and solely funding 100% African-owned businesses and African entrepreneurs.  USADF aims to promote innovative solutions that increase access to reliable, affordable and sustainable power – particularly for Africans who will have little to no access to grid power. USADF President, Shari Berenbach said, “By catalyzing African energy entrepreneurs with working capital and technical support, USADF seeks to ensure many of these populations will have access to more affordable, off grid and renewable energy.” These energy entrepreneurs are finding solutions to power the needs for rural communities including solar-powered mini-grids, home solar systems, and solar cold storage. The Power Africa Off-Grid Energy Challenge, funded by USADF, GE Africa and USAID, promotes innovative solutions that increase access to reliable, affordable and sustainable power.

ABOUT USADF

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), a public corporation in the U.S. federal government, funds African-owned enterprises, cooperatives and community-based organizations to build capacity and expand economic activities.  In 19 countries with over 350 project grants, USADF is benefiting more than a million and a half Africans.  USADF operates as the only U.S. agency exclusively centered on an African-led, grassroots development model to create pathways to prosperity for underserved communities.  For more information, go to www.usadf.gov.

ABOUT GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving, and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Africa, a subsidiary of General Electric, Inc., delivers innovative technology solutions for regional challenges to help its customers support growth throughout the continent.  In particular, GE Energy is providing a host of advanced solutions in water, oil & gas, and energy delivery technologies, with a focus on innovative localized energy solutions.

ABOUT POWER AFRICA

In 2013, President Obama launched Power Africa, an innovative partnership of private sector partners, African governments, public funders, and technical institutions to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 600 million people currently lack access. Two years after its launch, Power Africa has helped transactions expected to generate over 4,300 megawatts of new, cleaner power generation throughout sub-Saharan Africa reach financial close.

Please contact jlingham@usadf.gov for all USADF-related media inquiries.

Click here for full PDF version.

President and CEO championed African-owned, managed and led growth development

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) announced today that Shari Berenbach, President & CEO, passed away on Sunday in Washington. Ms. Berenbach had been suffering from advanced breast cancer. 

As leader of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) since 2012, Ms. Berenbach was a pioneer in promoting economic growth and prosperity in Africa and an advocate of impact investing for vulnerable and underserved populations, promoting investments that generate beneficial social and environmental impact as well as ensures the resilience of USADF grantees and their communities.

In a statement, USADF Chairman Jack Leslie said: “Shari was a champion for the most vulnerable in Africa, tirelessly working to be sure that communities and people are not left behind as Africa rises. She was an innovative leader, launching new initiatives to enable more Africans to be a part of the continent’s growth story."

"Shari fearlessly led the Agency towards its mission of serving the most vulnerable communities in Africa with visionary approaches designed to address income disparity through entrepreneurial, African-led and managed solutions. Her leadership at USADF created a more positive environment for economic growth across Africa. She will be deeply missed.”

Prior to leading USADF, Ms. Berenbach served as President & CEO of Calvert Foundation and began her microfinance work in the early 1980s as Program Director for Partnership for Productivity International, serving multiple countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, and her daughter, Moriah.

The USADF Board of Directors announced that Constance B. Newman will serve as Acting President/CEO. Ms. Newman has a distinguished record of public service and experience in African development. She previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in 2004-2005 and Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management from 1989-1992. Ms. Newman has also held positions at USAID and the World Bank.

Contact: AYSHA HOUSE / 202.233.8863 / AHOUSE@USADF.GOV

About USADF | The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, funding grassroots development projects to African-owned enterprises, cooperatives and community-based organizations to build capacity, resilience and economic activities. In 19 countries with over 350 project grants, USADF is benefiting more than a million and a half Africans. USADF operates as the only U.S. agency exclusively centered on an African-led, grassroots development model to create pathways to prosperity for underserved communities.

Kampala, Uganda - USADF Off-Grid Challenge Winners left to right: OneLamp, Green Heat and GRS Commodities

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) announces the Off-Grid Energy Challenge winners in Uganda, where more than 84% of the population lacks access to electricity [1]. Green Heat, OneLamp, and GRS Commodities will each receive grants of up to $100,000 for their renewable energy enterprises. Derrick Hosea, founder and CEO of OneLamp and winner in the latest round of funding, said, “USADF values Africans and our enterprising spirit. They invest in Africa, by Africans – and that sets them apart from other development agencies.” The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is part of Power Africa’s Beyond the Grid initiative, which aims to drive private investment in off-grid and small scale renewable energy solutions. With seed capital and technical assistance, USADF grants catalyze energy entrepreneurs using innovative solutions to bridge the energy poverty gap in Uganda. 

• Green Heat Limited will install 20 biogas digesters to pasteurize and chill milk on farms in the Teso region of Eastern Uganda. Many residents of the Teso Region of Eastern Uganda rely on farming and livestock for their livelihoods, and milk production is a major contributor, currently dominated by rural small-scale farmers who own 90% of the cattle. These farmers suffer from significant product loss because most of the milk is sold unprocessed and raw, which leads to losses of up to 27% due to spoilage before the milk reaches the end user. By installing biogas digesters on farmland, Green Heat will enable farmers to use the manure from their own livestock to power milk pasteurization and cooling equipment. A byproduct of the biogas digesters will be fertilizer production, which farmers can sell locally. This will serve to strengthen the dairy value chain and reduce poverty through environmentally sustainable economic growth.
   
• OneLamp Limited will create a mobile phone platform that allows rural households to purchase solar products, which can be delivered directly to their door. Electrification across Uganda is very low, especially in rural areas, with many Ugandans relying on paraffin candles, kerosene lamps, and fossil fuels for lighting. There are currently many companies that manufacture renewable energy products, but they rely on limited distribution networks to reach potential off-grid customers. OneLamp Limited’s mobile phone platform will allow low-income, off-grid households to access an on-demand service for clean energy products that can be delivered to their doorstep. OneLamp will use the existing transportation infrastructure to enable them to reach customers that other companies can’t.
   
• GRS Commodities Limited will install an additional 40 kilowatts of solar generation capacity on the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria. The Ssese Islands are home to 4,000 people who lack access to mainland infrastructure and electricity. The local community relies heavily on fossil fuel for light and cooking, and while some have benefited from a pilot phase of a 10-kilowatt micro-grid on the island operational, it is not sufficient for delivering power to the entire community. By adding an additional 100 households and 50 more businesses, the project will increase access to local and sustainable sources of electricity, foster business creation, and improve household income by providing energy that can be purchased for less than the price of fossil fuels currently being used. GRS plans to use their revenues for its future growth and scale-up throughout the Ssese Islands.

The U.S. African Development Foundation is the only federal agency dedicated entirely to Africa, and solely funding 100% African-owned businesses and African entrepreneurs. USADF aims to promote innovative solutions that increase access to reliable, affordable and sustainable power – particularly for Africans who will have little to no access to grid power. Shari Berenbach, former USADF President and a champion of the Off-Grid Challenge, said, “By catalyzing African energy entrepreneurs with working capital and technical support, USADF seeks to ensure many of these populations will have access to more affordable, off grid and renewable energy.” These energy entrepreneurs are finding solutions to power the needs of rural communities including solar-powered mini-grids, home solar systems, and solar cold storage.

ABOUT USADF
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), a public corporation in the U.S. federal government, funds African-owned enterprises, cooperatives and community-based organizations to build capacity and expand economic activities. In 19 countries with over 350 project grants, USADF is benefiting more than a million and a half Africans. USADF operates as the only U.S. agency exclusively centered on an African led, grassroots development model to create pathways to prosperity for underserved communities. For more information, go to www.usadf.gov.

ABOUT GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving, and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE Africa, a subsidiary of General Electric, Inc., delivers innovative technology solutions for regional challenges to help its customers support growth throughout the continent. In particular, GE Energy is providing a host of advanced solutions in water, oil & gas, and energy delivery technologies, with a focus on innovative localized energy solutions.

ABOUT USAID AND POWER AFRICA
In 2013, President Obama launched Power Africa, an innovative partnership of private sector partners, African governments, public funders, and technical institutions to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 600 million people currently lack access. Two years after its launch, Power Africa has helped transactions that are expected to generate over 4,300 megawatts of new, cleaner power to reach financial close. Power Africa is our signal to African governments, citizens, businesses, and the world that we are committed to working with our African partners to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of opportunity. Through the power of partnership, we can and will ensure a brighter future for all. See what we’ve already accomplished and join us: www.usaid.gov/powerafrica.

CONTACT: Julia L. Tanton
Telephone: +1 202-233-8811 | Email: JLingham@usadf.gov | Twitter: @USADF

[1] “World Development Indicators: Electricity production, sources, and access,” The World Bank, 2012 http://wdi.worldbank.org/table/3.7

Mr. Leslie was sworn in for a second term as USADF Board Chairman on June 3, 2016 at the U.S. Department of State.

WASHINGTON, DC - June 7, 2016 - Chairman John Webster Leslie, Jr. was sworn in as the U.S. African Development Foundation’s Chairman of the Board on Friday, June 3, 2016 at the U.S. Department of State by Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Mr. Leslie will continue to serve as Chairman, a position he has held since 2009, for a term expiring September 22, 2019. Mr. Leslie was confirmed in the Senate by unanimous consent on May 17, 2016.

Under Mr. Leslie’s leadership, USADF has expanded its reach to serving the most marginalized populations in Africa, including hard to reach areas such as Lake Turkana in Kenya and the Sahel region of West Africa. “As we commemorate USADF’s 35th anniversary year, I am proud to lead an agency that truly promotes innovative, African-led solutions to end poverty. Africa is on the move, and we are proud to play a small part of Africa’s growth story,” Mr. Leslie said. As USADF Chairman, Mr. Leslie continues to highlight how Africa is on the rise.

USADF remains charged to seek out and assist fragile and underserved groups such as – women and children, religious and ethnic minorities, the disabled, victims of war and violence or those living in such remote areas that they are often not reached by aid organizations or their own governments. Mr. Leslie’s visionary leadership and direction has ensured USADF creates pathways to prosperity for Africa’s most underserved communities. Today, including our small grants program, USADF operates in 30 African countries, providing funding for over 400 active projects, directly benefiting nearly 1.5 million people.

From 2003-2008, Mr. Leslie served as a member and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. He was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009 to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the USADF. He is Chairman of Weber Shandwick, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chairman of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid, Chairman of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, former Chairman of the Board of USA for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Duke Global Health Institute and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

The U.S. African Development Foundation is a small but effective tool in the U.S. Government’s Foreign Assistance toolkit. USADF supports African-led development that grows community enterprises by providing seed capital and local technical support. USADF is on the frontier of development as one of the only U.S. Agencies directly funding African-led and managed enterprises by marginalized groups, such as smallholder farmers, ethnic and religious minorities, persons with disabilities and youth. The Agency awards small grants for technical assistance and capacity building to grassroots organizations, cooperatives and enterprises that strengthens local institutions and achieves lasting impact. For more information, visit www.usadf.gov or follow us on Twitter. 

WASHINGTON, DC - June 7, 2016 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) is pleased to announce the confirmations of three Members to the Board of Directors, including Board Chairman Jack Leslie, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State (A/S) for African Affairs, and Linda Etim, USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa.

Mr. Leslie was sworn in as the U.S. African Development Foundation’s Chairman of the Board of Directors on Friday, June 3, 2016 at the U.S. Department of State by A/S Thomas-Greenfield, another recently confirmed Board member. Ms. Etim was also sworn in for a first term. Dr. John Agwunobi currently serves as Vice Chair, and Edward Brehm, Morgan Davis and Iqbal Paroo remain as members on the Board of Directors.

Mr. Leslie will continue to serve as Chairman, a position he has held since 2009, for a term expiring September 22, 2019. Mr. Leslie was confirmed by the Senate by unanimous consent on May 17, 2016. Under Mr. Leslie’s leadership, USADF has expanded its reach to serving the most marginalized populations in Africa, including hard to reach areas such as Lake Turkana in Kenya and the Sahel region of West Africa. “As we commemorate USADF’s 35th anniversary year, I am proud to lead an agency that truly promotes innovative, African-led solutions to end poverty. Africa is on the move, and we are proud to play a small part of Africa’s growth story,” Mr. Leslie said. As USADF Chairman, Mr. Leslie continues to highlight how Africa is on the rise.

From 2003-2008, Mr. Leslie served as a member and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. He was appointed by President Obama in 2009 to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of USADF. He is Chairman of Weber Shandwick, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chairman of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid, Chairman of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, former Chairman of the Board of USA for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Duke Global Health Institute and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a member of the Career Foreign Service, has served as the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs since 2013. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield directs the Department of State’s Africa agenda on all U.S. policy toward sub-Saharan Africa. Thomas-Greenfield’s 34-year Foreign Service career includes an ambassadorship to Liberia (2008-2012), and foreign postings in Switzerland (at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations), Pakistan, Kenya, The Gambia, Nigeria and Jamaica.

Ms. Etim was sworn in as USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Africa in December 2015. Etim oversees more than $7 billion of assistance funding to 46 countries, in 29 regional and bilateral missions across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to leading USAID’s Africa Bureau, Ms. Etim served as the deputy Assistant Administrator overseeing the United States’ development agenda in stabilizing fragile African states and promoting transformational development through various economic growth, democracy and transition initiatives. This includes promoting peace and security, democracy, good governance, agricultural development, free markets and economic integration, a sustainable environment, improved human health, education and the delivery of humanitarian assistance in times of need.

C.D. Glin, courtesy of Rockefeller Foundation

WASHINGTON, August 15, 2016 — C.D. Glin, currently the Associate Director of the Africa Regional Office for the Rockefeller Foundation, will be sworn in as the new President of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) on September 6th, USADF Board Chairman Jack Leslie announced today. Mr. Glin will succeed Shari Berenbach, who passed away earlier this year after serving three years as President.

USADF is an independent Federal agency working directly with Africa’s most vulnerable and underserved communities to secure economic development and growth at the grassroots level. The agency prides itself on being a community-level connector, awarding grants of up to $250,000 to African-owned institutions and groups. The grants while catalytic in nature are significant in impact. Just last year, USADF leveraged $40 million in new economic activity in some of Africa’s most fragile and marginalized communities.

At the helm, Mr. Glin will lead the agency’s efforts to combat some of Africa’s most difficult development and foreign policy challenges in the hardest to reach, and often most impoverished communities. C.D. comes to USADF with vast experience in development programs in Africa, intergovernmental relations, and leadership of both public and private sector programs.  His most recent experience has been with the Rockefeller Foundation. As Associate Director based in the Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, C.D. contributed to and led the development and execution of several important initiatives in the areas of Impact Investing, Climate-Smart Rural Development and YieldWise, a $130 million dollar effort to improve rural lives by reducing post-harvest crop loss and promoting sustainable sourcing in African agriculture value chains.

“C.D. is a champion for Africa and has a deep and lasting appreciation for USADF’s work at the grassroots level. C.D has seen the importance of USADF’s model and working with the marginalized and underserved since his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa, to his work today managing the East Africa portfolio for Rockefeller. C.D. has seen the power of community-level transformation and USADF will benefit from his experience, passion and thoughtful leadership.” Mr. Leslie said. “We are pleased that he has decided to head the organization and build on the legacy of serving the most vulnerable.”

Mr. Leslie also expressed the organization’s gratitude and sincere admiration for Ms. Constance Newman who has led USADF while the selection process took place: “Connie has been a stabilizing force of calm and a steady hand after the tragic and sudden death of our past president, Shari Berenbach.”

Prior to joining the Rockefeller Foundation, C.D. was a presidential appointee in the Obama Administration where he served as the first Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Global Partnerships for the U.S. Peace Corps. In that capacity, he led inter-agency collaboration efforts and leveraged approximately $20 million dollars through agreements with public and private sector entities to enhance the developmental impact of almost 9,000 volunteers serving worldwide. Previously, C.D. served as Vice President for Business Development at CDC Development Solutions (now PYXERA Global), an industry-leading global non-profit dedicated to private-sector led development and international corporate volunteering and as Director of the MBA Enterprise Corps and MBAs Without Borders programs. C.D. worked for the State Department, USAID and the World Bank while living in Ghana and Nigeria and he served as volunteer in the first Peace Corps South Africa group during the Presidency of Nelson Mandela.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead USADF,” Mr. Glin said. “It’s Africa’s time; and returning to Washington, DC after spending the past five years on the continent, I have a first-hand perspective of the transformational change occurring. USADF provides a unique opportunity to contribute to this progress and growing prosperity, while enhancing America's engagement with the continent." The agency is at the forefront of supporting African-led solutions to Africa's challenges. By awarding seed grants and making early stage investments in communities and entrepreneurs, we are the community-level connector between African ingenuity and US foreign assistance. Glin also noted, “I can’t wait to join the team of hard-working, committed USADF staff; their perseverance, diligence, and expertise is a shining example of how innovative grassroots development approaches, catalytic financial support and local technical assistance can have a major impact in improving millions of lives.”

He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University; a Master’s Certificate in Business Management from Tulane University and Postgraduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford University. In 2011, C.D. was designated by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for his commitment to international service and civic participation.

About USADF

USADF is an independent Federal U.S. Government Agency dedicated to increasing incomes, creating jobs, and giving hope to Africans in the most vulnerable households and communities. USADF works directly with marginalized populations through economic development grants that produce change in over 20 conflict and post-conflict countries in Africa. More than 1.4 million Africans currently benefit from USADF programs in Africa. See http://www.USADF.gov. 

C.D. GLIN SWORN IN AS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (USADF)

C.D. Glin being sworn in as 9th President/CEO by USADF Chairman Jack Leslie

WASHINGTON, DC – September 6, 2016 – C.D. Glin was sworn in as the U.S. African Development Foundation’s 9th President on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the U.S. African Development Foundation’s headquarters by Jack Leslie, USADF Board Chairman.  Mr. Glin will lead the agency’s efforts to combat some of Africa’s most difficult development and foreign policy challenges in the hardest to reach, and often most impoverished communities.

C.D. comes to USADF with vast experience in development programs in Africa, intergovernmental relations, and leadership of both public and private sector programs.  His most recent experience has been with the Rockefeller Foundation. As Associate Director based in the Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, C.D. contributed to and led the development and execution of several important initiatives in the areas of Impact Investing, Climate-Smart Rural Development and YieldWise, a $130 million dollar effort to improve rural lives by reducing post-harvest crop loss and promoting sustainable sourcing in African agriculture value chains.

“C.D. is a champion for Africa and has a deep and lasting appreciation for USADF’s work at the grassroots level. C.D has seen the importance of USADF’s model and working with the marginalized and underserved since his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa, to his work today managing the East Africa portfolio for Rockefeller. C.D. has seen the power of community-level transformation and USADF will benefit from his experience, passion and thoughtful leadership.” Mr. Leslie said. “We are pleased that he has decided to head the organization and build on the legacy of serving the most vulnerable.”

USADF remains charged to seek out and assist fragile and underserved groups such as – women and children, religious and ethnic minorities, the disabled, victims of war and violence or those living in such remote areas that they are often not reached by aid organizations or their own governments. Mr. Glin is excited to expand on the agency’s successes and pilot new and innovative programming for Africa’s most underserved communities. Today, including USADF’s small grants program, USADF operates in 30 African countries, providing funding for over 400 active projects, directly benefiting nearly 1.5 million people.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead USADF,” Mr. Glin said. “It’s Africa’s time; and returning to Washington, DC after spending the past five years on the continent, I have a first-hand perspective of the transformational change occurring. USADF provides a unique opportunity to contribute to this progress and growing prosperity, while enhancing America's engagement with the continent." The agency is at the forefront of supporting African-led solutions to Africa's challenges. By awarding seed grants and making early stage investments in communities and entrepreneurs, we are the community-level connector between African ingenuity and US foreign assistance. Glin also noted, “I can’t wait to join the team of hard-working, committed USADF staff; their perseverance, diligence, and expertise is a shining example of how innovative grassroots development approaches, catalytic financial support and local technical assistance can have a major impact in improving millions of lives.”

The U.S. African Development Foundation is an effective tool in the U.S. Government’s Foreign Assistance toolkit. USADF supports African-led development that grows community enterprises by providing seed capital and local technical support. USADF is on the frontier of development as one of the only U.S. Agencies directly funding African-led and managed enterprises by marginalized groups, such as smallholder farmers, ethnic and religious minorities, persons with disabilities and youth. The Agency awards small grants for technical assistance and capacity building to grassroots organizations, cooperatives and enterprises that strengthens local institutions and achieves lasting impact. For more information, visit www.usadf.gov or follow us on Twitter.

NEW YORK - Wednesday, September 21 - Today, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and GE Africa launched a partnership for a new 2017 Off Grid Energy Challenge for women in energy at the U.S. Africa Business Forum.

• The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and GE Africa are pleased to announce a partnership for a new 2017 Off-Grid Energy Challenge targeted toward African women-owned and managed energy enterprises and innovations.  Since 2013, GE has partnered with USADF to fund a total of $5.0 million in awards and 50 African energy entrepreneurs who have leveraged their awards to power communities living beyond the grid.
• In addition to the announcement of the Women & Energy Challenge, today USADF also congratulates the newest cohort of African energy entrepreneurs of the Off-Grid Energy Challenge. These 21 winners are across the continent, from Tanzania to Zambia. They are innovating renewable technologies to bring electricity, from solar micro-grids to biogas, to rural communities living far from the national grid.
• The Off-Grid Energy Challenge is part of Power Africa’s Beyond the Grid initiative, which aims to drive private investment in off-grid and small scale renewable energy solutions

The Women & Energy Challenge highlights the need to support technologies advanced by African women innovators and leaders who have lower access to finance than men in many African countries, where energy poverty disproportionately affects women. USADF President & CEO C.D. Glin said, "African women remain the cornerstone of the African family and community. They are leading their communities yet suffer the brunt of energy poverty. Ingenuity and innovation will be unleashed with these seed capital awards - and we can't wait to see the applications roll in." 

Globally, less than 25% of the renewable energy workforce is women, a rate which is even lower in Africa. USADF and GE Africa are targeting the next generation of women entrepreneurs to provide financing and technical assistance for off grid lighting solutions. Joyce Gema, a winner in the 2014 Off-Grid Energy Challenge, said, “Women entrepreneurs have been disadvantaged for a long time as they do not have access to credit through the formal banking system, and also lack skills to grow their businesses.” While women have lower access to credit in many African countries, they also bear the brunt of energy poverty. With high rates of health-related problems from smoke and indoor pollution, women have the most to gain from renewable and affordable off-grid energy solutions.

Jay Ireland, President and CEO of GE Africa, said: “I continue to be excited about the incredible innovation and entrepreneurship that is happening across the continent. GE has a rich history in Africa and we are committed to continue investing on the continent. We are very pleased to be a part of this Challenge to help identify and accelerate projects that will help African entrepreneurs to compete in the global economy.” Women-led enterprises also have shown that investing in women or gender-diverse enterprises makes business sense. According to the 2016 McKinsey Women Matter Africa report, companies with higher female executive committee representation are 14% more likely to outperform their competitors. USADF supports African-led solutions and understands the importance investing in women, focusing on launching the next generation of women entrepreneurs to light the way for women in African energy.

The U.S. African Development Foundation is the only federal agency dedicated entirely to Africa, and solely funding 100% African-owned businesses and African entrepreneurs. Since 2013, the Off Grid Energy Challenge, in partnership with GE Africa, has aimed to promote innovative solutions that increase access to reliable, affordable and sustainable power – particularly for Africans who will have little to no access to grid power. These energy entrepreneurs are finding solutions to power the needs of rural communities including solar-powered mini-grids, home solar systems, and solar cold storage.

ABOUT USADF

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), a public corporation in the U.S. federal government, funds African-owned enterprises, cooperatives and community-based organizations to build capacity and expand economic opportunities. Approximately 20 countries with over 350 project grants, USADF is investing in nearly two million Africans. USADF is the sole government agency directly supporting African-led solutions for vulnerable communities to create pathways to prosperity. For more information, go to www.usadf.gov.

ABOUT GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving, and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Africa, a subsidiary of General Electric, Inc., delivers innovative technology solutions for regional challenges to help its customers support growth throughout the continent. In particular, GE Energy is providing a host of advanced solutions in water, oil & gas, and energy delivery technologies, with a focus on innovative localized energy solutions.

THE U.S. AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION AND CITI FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE 20 WINNERS FROM YALI EAST AFRICA

WASHINGTON, DC – December 13, 2016 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) in partnership with CITI Foundation is pleased to announce awards of $200K in grant funding to 20 young, East African social entrepreneurs developing businesses for social and community change, in Uganda 9 awards, Kenya 5 awards, Rwanda 3 awards, DRC 2 awards, and Central African Republic 1 award.

As part of the Citi Foundation's Pathways to Progress global approach to prepare urban youth to thrive in today's economy, each Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) winner will receive $10K in seed capital grants to strengthen systems to support the growth of their companies – ranging from agribusiness, clean water and sanitation, financial education and lending services, and education. 

 The goal of the USADF & CITI Foundation YALI partnership is to increase business know-how and access to seed capital by Africa’s next generation of business leaders and social entrepreneurs. By investing in small grant funds and intensive technical assistance, Young African Leaders will in turn create jobs, train other youth, impact their communities and create or expand markets by providing goods and services.

As graduates of the East African YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC), these young people have all demonstrated leadership in business, the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups, and are strong communicators actively engaged in their communities. They are the future leaders committed to catalyzing change in their countries and Africa as a whole.

‘’We are proud to partner with UASDF and invest in youth through this program to help enable economic resilience and long-term competitiveness in East Africa,’’ said Karim Seifeddine, Head of Public Affairs, Citi. ‘’We continue to support programs that catalyse economic growth and provide solid economic opportunities to African youth.’’

Each USADF & CITI Foundation social entrepreneur gains operational knowledge in funds accountability and reporting, over the 6 month to one year grant period during which funds are disbursed, and have access to 1-on-1 business advice and mentoring, all tangible skills to help them grow their ventures. For example, two YALI RLC winners, Yvette Ishimwe of IRIBA Clean Water Delivery Ltd in Rwanda and Francis Xaiver Asiimwe of Kaaro Health Finance Limited illustrate how young people are setting the standard for businesses catalyzing for good.

Through IRIBA, Yvette is ensuring the sustainability, ease and affordability of clean water for drinking and household use to people in the most remote communities of Rwanda, who have little to no access to water, particularly clean water. They envision an Africa where every person has easy access to reliable and safe water for drinking and household activities. Today, IRIBA is serving 100 families who were not able to get access to affordable clean and drinkable water, employing 20 young people, and reversing a trend of young children in the neighborhood who would spend mornings collecting water from long distances - no longer being late or miss classes due to the time they used to spend in water collection centers. Yvette said, "Investing in young African entrepreneurs like myself is transformative because it enables us to create real solutions that are more relevant to our community problems. And it equips Africa with more empowered people who are ready to tackle its challenges, use effectively its available resources and opportunities; and hence a brighter future for our continent."

And Francis Xaiver Asiimwe of Kaaro Health Finance Limited is working for quality health care for all. Francis believes rural healthcare entrepreneurship is possible, profitable and low-risk, and Kaaro Health Finance Limited (KHF) has successfully financed the establishment of 4 new health facilities, expanded an additional 7 free-standing facilities and lease high-quality secondary care equipment to the most vulnerable. KHF's product are designed to eliminate energy and finance access issues by providing tailor-made, flexible lease-to-own medical and renewable energy equipment financing to private healthcare entrepreneurs who are already operating or intending to expand into these underserved areas.

With today’s award, KHF will finance an existing acute need for pregnancy-related diagnostic imaging equipment in 4 newly established private for profit and 2 existing private nonprofit clinics in Panyangara sub-county, Kotido district. 3 of these health facilities will also each be financed to acquire a 2.2 kW solar power kit. In total, they expect these 6 facilities will treat 1,800 pregnant women in the first year alone.

 The USADF & CITI Foundation’s goal is to catalyze young African’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to launch and expand their social enterprises so every African may be a part of Africa’s growth story. Since 2014, USADF has awarded over $3M to young leaders in 26 countries and 10 sectors.  In collaboration with the CITI Foundation, USADF will award up to 28 business plan competition winners in 2016 with $450,000 in seed capital, mentoring and business support.

About U.S. African Development Foundation: 

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. Government agency established by Congress to support African owned and led enterprises which improve lives and livelihoods in poor and vulnerable African communities. For more information about today’s USADF and CITI Foundation YALI RLC winners, please contact Aysha House at ahouse@usadf.gov or visit www.usadf.gov.

 About Citi Foundation: 

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfil our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visitwww.citifoundation.com.

Nairobi, Kenya - Ambassador Godec and USADF President C.D. Glin congratulate Stanley Gitau of Six Degree Consultancy as a winner of the USADF-Citi Business Plan Competition. Photo Credit: Africa 24 Media

NAIROBI, KENYA – February 28, 2017 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Citi Foundation are pleased to honor Kenyan youth entrepreneurs on February 24 at the Regional Leadership Center (RLC) at Kenyatta University in Nairobi. The award reception highlights seven young Kenyan entrepreneurs as part of the continued collaboration between USADF and the Citi Foundation. The most recent USADF-Citi Business Plan Competition awarded twenty entrepreneurs with seed capital including five Kenyan winners. These young entrepreneurs have been tackling social challenges with business solutions.

This partnership forms part of the Citi Foundation's Pathways to Progress initiative, a commitment to support young urban youth to prepare for today's economy. Each winner received $10K in seed capital to strengthen systems to support the growth of their companies – business ranged from agribusiness, waste management, to micro-finance.

Together USADF and the Citi Foundation are investing in Africa’s most innovative and impactful youth-led enterprises by pairing seed capital with technical assistance. USADF is providing young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to invest in their own communities, and grow Africa’s next generation of business leaders and social entrepreneurs. These business leaders will employ marginalized people, train other youth, impact their communities and create or expand markets by providing goods and services.

The reception hosted representatives from USADF, the Citi Foundation, USAID, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya and representatives from the Kenyan Government. In addition, 90 young African leaders who are currently in session at the RLC were also in attendance. “The U.S. African Development Foundation is committed to investing in young leaders and growing the potential of African entrepreneurs today to build a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow,” said C.D. Glin, President and CEO of USADF.
 

As participants of the RLC, these young people have all demonstrated leadership in business, the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups, and the communication skills to actively engage in their communities. They are the future leaders committed to catalyzing change in their countries and Africa as a whole.

“We are proud to partner with USADF and invest in youth through this program to help enable economic resilience and long-term competitiveness in East Africa,’’ said MaryAnne Mwaura, Head of Public Affairs EA, Citi. ‘The Citi Foundation is committed to supporting programs that catalyze economic growth and provide solid economic opportunities to African youth.”

Over a 6 to 12-month period, the seven social entrepreneurs supported by USADF & the Citi Foundation will gain operational knowledge in funds accountability and reporting. They will also have access to 1-on-1 business advice and mentoring, and tangible skills to help them grow their ventures.

One of the winners who presented at the reception, Wesley Owiti, is using fashion as a medium for poverty alleviation with his social enterprise Cherehani Africa Ltd. His company provides an innovative solution to financial inclusion by using tailoring skills as a pre-qualification for a business loans. “The USADF-Citi grant has allowed Cherehani Africa to expand its base and provide sewing machines and loans. The grant has strengthened this business as we work on ways to serve our customers better,” says Owiti.

To date, USADF has invested $3 million in 150 social enterprises in over 30 countries. In partnership with the Citi Foundation, USADF will award up to 28 business plan competition winners in 2016 with $450,000 in seed capital, mentoring and business support.

About the U.S. African Development Foundation:

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. Government agency dedicated to promoting African-led development. USADF grants provide seed capital and local technical expertise to grassroots enterprises in over 30 countries in Africa to ensure lasting economic development. By partnering with host country governments and the private sector, USADF provides early stage funding to African-led and managed enterprises with a maximum grant size of $250,000 dollars, with grants that support agriculture, off-grid energy and youth. For more information about USADF, visit us at www.USADF.gov

About the Citi Foundation:

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. The foundation invests in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfil their mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com. 

For a complete press release, please find here.

Kampala, Uganda – Ambassador Malac addresses youth social entrepreneurs at the USADF-Citi Foundation awards reception on March 2, 2017

KAMPALA, UGANDA – March 2, 2017 – The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Citi Foundation are pleased to honor youth entrepreneurship March 2 at Urban by City Blue in Kampala. The awards reception recognized 11 young Ugandan entrepreneurs as part of the continued collaboration between USADF and the Citi Foundation. The most recent USADF-Citi Business Plan Competition awarded twenty entrepreneurs in total with $10K in seed capital. These young entrepreneurs are tackling social challenges with business solutions in areas such as healthcare, agribusiness and waste management.

Together USADF and the Citi Foundation are investing in Africa’s most innovative and impactful youth-led enterprises by pairing seed capital with technical assistance. USADF is providing young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to invest in their own communities, and grow Africa’s next generation of business leaders and social entrepreneurs. These business leaders will employ marginalized people, train other youth, impact their communities and create or expand markets by providing goods and services. This partnership forms part of the Citi Foundation's Pathways to Progress initiative, a commitment to support young urban youth to prepare for today's economy.

The reception hosted representatives from USADF, the Citi Foundation, USAID, the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and representatives from the Ugandan Government. “With the seed capital and support provided through these USADF and Citi Foundation grants, it is our hope these young business leaders will not just grow their businesses, creating jobs and economic opportunities,” said Ambassador Malac in her remarks. “We also hope they will become agents of positive change and development in their communities and throughout the country.”
 

As winners of the USADF-Citi Business Plan Competition, these young people have demonstrated leadership in business, the ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups, and the communication skills to actively engage in their communities. They are the future leaders committed to catalyzing change in their countries and Africa as a whole.

Over a 6 to 12-month period, the 11 Ugandan entrepreneurs supported by USADF & the Citi Foundation will gain operational knowledge in funds accountability and reporting. They will also have access to 1-on-1 business advice and mentoring, and tangible skills to help them grow their ventures. One of the winners who presented at the reception, George Bakka, is the chief executive officer at Angels Initiatives, an enterprise-finance firm that raises capital for flexible financing to small and growing businesses in Africa. Others entrepreneurs like Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision, are working to make eye care more affordable for school children by using low-cost, recycled materials. Initiatives like this one are not only keep people healthier, but help children improve their academic performances.

“We are proud to partner with USADF and invest in youth through this program to help enable economic resilience and long-term competitiveness in East Africa,’’ said Sarah Arapta, Managing Director for Citi Uganda. ‘The Citi Foundation is committed to supporting programs that catalyze economic growth and provide solid economic opportunities to African youth.”

To date, USADF has invested $3 million in 150 social enterprises in over 30 countries. In partnership with the Citi Foundation, USADF will award up to 28 business plan competition winners in 2016 with $450,000 in seed capital, mentoring and business support.

About the U.S. African Development Foundation:

The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent U.S. Government agency dedicated to promoting African-led development. USADF grants provide seed capital and local technical expertise to grassroots enterprises in over 30 countries in Africa to ensure lasting economic development. By partnering with host country governments and the private sector, USADF provides early stage funding to African-led and managed enterprises with a maximum grant size of $250,000 dollars, with grants that support agriculture, off-grid energy and youth. For more information about USADF, visit us at www.USADF.gov

About the Citi Foundation:

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. The foundation invests in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfil their mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.

Ifeanyi Orajaka, CEO of Green Village Energy (GVE) Projects

Washington, D.C. – March 9, 2017 – On Thursday, March 9, 2017 Ifeanyi Orajaka, CEO of Green Village Energy (GVE) Projects Limited and a grant recipient of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), delivered a keynote address at the EnergyNet Summit in Washington, D.C. The Summit was attended by government and private sector representatives from the United States, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, as well as several other sub-Saharan African countries. “The opportunity to address the Summit as a keynote speaker to share GVE’s work was unimaginable,” says Orajaka.

GVE Projects was one of the inaugural winners of the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge in 2013. The USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge is a public-private partnership to find and fund energy entrepreneurs who are connecting rural communities to reliable sources of power. Since 2013, USADF has funded over 70 entrepreneurs in nine countries, and has invested over $7.5 million in these enterprises.

GVE Projects provides solar-powered mini-grids to rural communities in Nigeria isolated from the national grid. With a $100,000 USADF grant, GVE expanded the mini-grid system to provide electricity to nearly 150 homes in the community. With follow-on funding, GVE is now powering over 2,000 households throughout Nigeria.

Thanks to USADF’s catalytic seed capital, GVE was able to test, scale and expand operations for its solar mini-grid systems.

Following this success, GVE began discussions with Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) to replicate their USADF-funded mini grid services to reach six communities in 2017. BOI will invest an additional 1.2 million in the project.

Although Nigeria’s electrification rate is approximately 57%, the population experiences numerous power outages and blackouts. GVE’s ability to deliver uninterrupted electricity in rural communities distinguishes them as innovators and leaders in the industry. Orajaka has set an ambitious target of expanding GVE operations to reach 2% of the Nigerian population through mini-grid electricity generation by 2025.

For more information about the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge, visit our webpage. To download a copy of the press release, click here.

Photo by Rachel Couch for Power Africa

The United States and Zambia Partnering Together

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                 
April 12, 2017

The U.S. African Development Foundation Co-Funds Zambia's First Public-Private Mini Grid

Sinda, Zambia - The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) officially commissioned Zambia’s first independently owned power system, the Muhanya Solar Mini-Grid, on April 12, 2017. Officials from Zambia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Development and the Zambian Rural Electrification Authority joined representatives from USADF and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for the commissioning ceremony.

This is supported by the Power Africa program, which is co-led by the U.S. in partnership with Sweden Zambia. In 2013, Power Africa was launched, bringing together technical and legal experts, the private sector, and governments from around the world to work in partnership to increase the number of people with access to power.

USADF, in partnership with Power Africa and the U.S.-based company General Electric, led an Off- Grid Energy Challenge to develop and scale-up proven technologies for off-grid energy to reach communities not served by existing power grids. Through the Off-Grid Energy Challenge, Zambia’s Muhanya Solar Limited was awarded a $100,000 grant to support the construction of a 30-kilowatt mini-grid in Sinda, an off-grid community in Eastern Zambia.

“Muhanya Solar exemplifies how Zambian ingenuity in partnership with American support can achieve results,” said Tom Coogan, USADF Regional Director. “Mini-grids like this one might be the future for many of the most remote towns and villages in the world – instead of waiting 15 or 20 years for the national grid to arrive, people are turning on the light switch today.”

Currently, Zambia has 2,400 MW of installed electrical capacity, virtually all of which is hydro, and only 47 percent of the urban population and 4 percent of the rural population have access to power. In Zambia, Power Africa endeavors to increase generation capacity by 900 MW, increase access to an additional 1 million households, and provide off-grid connections to 300 health posts. Continent wide, Power Africa’s goals are to increase electricity access to the most vulnerable and remote communities.

Before the solar mini-grid, residents of the town of Sinda relied entirely upon kerosene lamps, candles and car batteries for any access of power. Now, with the flick of a switch, residents can light their homes and charge their appliances like phones and radios. Residents pay a connection fee and a set amount each week or month for the use of electricity. The residents also contributed their own labor and materials for the construction of the plant.

“With only 4 percent of rural household connected to power and the slow pace of expanding the national grid, the future of electricity in Zambia’s rural areas will largely depend on beyond-the-grid solutions, such as mini-grids and rooftop solar systems,” said USAID/Zambia’s Economic Office Director, Mr. Jeremy Boley. “This program, with Power Africa support, seeks to increase sustainable access to energy by spurring investment in innovative off-grid ventures.”

Founded in 2005, Muhanya worked with technology supplier African Energy, an American solar company based in Arizona which sources many products from American manufacturers. To meet the still large unmet demand in the town, Muhanya plans to scale up the mini-grid. The mini-grid is already connecting to 60 households, a school and a grocery store. 

Through the Off-Grid Energy Challenge, USADF has funded over 70 off-grid energy companies in nine countries in Africa, and invested over $7 million in Africa's energy entrepreneurs, which has already resulted in over 16,500 actual connections benefitting over 82,000 people.

USADF invests and works directly at the grassroots level, providing seed capital and local technical support to early stage agriculture, energy and youth-led enterprises, and last year generated $80 million in new local economic activities in poor and vulnerable communities in Africa, including many here in Zambia. To learn more about the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge, visit www.usadf.gov/off-grid. 

Download official press release here.

USADF works with coffee farmers like Vincent Ahikire on improving yields and increasing profit. The Government of Uganda contributes nearly $1 million a year to the USADF Uganda program to grow agricultural enterprises. (Photo credit: Julia Tanton)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Friday, April 21, 2017– The Government of Uganda recently renewed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses in Uganda, in partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF). Currently, both parties match funds for up to $1 million dollars each a year to fund agricultural enterprises to improve lives and livelihoods for Uganda’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. The Government has recently committed an additional $5 million dollars over 5 years. Over this 10-year partnership with the Government of Uganda, USADF has funded 78 agricultural enterprises and seen farmer incomes increase by over 152 billion Ugandan shillings, or $40 million US dollars.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Government of Uganda to ensure underserved communities have viable pathways to develop and prosper,” says C.D. Glin, President/CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation. “Uganda remains one of our strongest partners as we continue to improve the lives and livelihoods for Africa’s poor and vulnerable. The Government of Uganda’s commitment to our program reinforces the value the USADF business model places on grant recipients at the forefront of their own development.”

This partnership, totaling nearly $20 million since 2006, is implemented through the Uganda Development Trust (UDET) to grow agricultural enterprises in Uganda, including farmer cooperatives, producer associations and small-scale agribusinesses. The Government of Uganda has already invested $9 million of its own resources and recently pledged an additional $5 million to co-fund USADF programs. The 2017 agreement was signed by the Honorable Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.  

 “The Government of Uganda is proud to continue our valuable partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation for another five years,” says H.E. Oliver Wonekha, Ambassador of Uganda to the United States. “USADF has continuously demonstrated their ability to effectively utilize resources to improve household incomes, increase food security, and promote the economic development of farming communities. USADF's strong commitment to funding projects throughout Uganda and transparency in its operations gives us confidence that this will continue to be a strong partnership.”

USADF’s innovative co-funding platform allows host country governments to reach vulnerable communities directly, and relies on an African-led country team and implementing partners. By pairing seed capital with technical expertise, USADF is building resilience and catalyzing growth for agricultural enterprises working to sustain food security and economic prosperity in their communities.

In the last decade, export revenues for Uganda’s biggest crops, including coffee and tea, were increased by nearly $60 million dollars as a direct result of USADF funding, and over 50,000 jobs were created. In 2013, the USADF-Government of Uganda Program was recognized by the Uganda Ministry of Finance with an award as the best performing project for the year.

The USADF program has been lauded by Government of Uganda for transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the achievement of intended results, including increasing both food security and incomes for farmers. With direct grants to community enterprises, USADF is investing in local economic development for peace and security today and future trading partners for tomorrow.

Download official press release here.