Cameroon’s Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) on September 25 invited local businesses to explore financing opportunities under the U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program, a $500 million initiative focused partly on critical minerals and commercial investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

The U.S. Department of State launched the program in July. According to the official grant notice, about 10 awards are expected, ranging from $5 million to $50 million each.

The initiative has two main focus areas: Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration. It is designed to support projects that improve conditions for foreign investment in sub-Saharan Africa and facilitate participation by U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies in regional markets.

Eligible applicants include small businesses, other for-profit organizations, nonprofits, higher-education institutions and public international organizations, subject to the program’s requirements. Projects must generate measurable benefits in at least one sub-Saharan African country and align with U.S. supply-chain or commercial objectives.

The program is not reserved for Cameroon, but its focus overlaps with sectors highlighted during the first Cameroon-U.S. Bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue held in Yaoundé on August 27. Cameroon and the United States identified nearly $7 billion, about CFAF 4,000 billion, in potential trade and investment opportunities during the talks. The projects, at different stages of development, span mining, energy, infrastructure, technology, forestry and logistics.

Mining accounted for at least $585 million of the opportunities discussed. They included a proposed $500 million rutile project and an initial $85 million investment in the Nkamouna cobalt-nickel-manganese project.

Cameroon’s Ministry of Economy said nine U.S. companies had expressed financing intentions for projects presented during the dialogue. Those projects are separate from the U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program, and no official source has indicated that they will receive funding from the new $500 million facility.

MINPMEESA said interested businesses should examine the program’s eligibility requirements and potential collaboration opportunities. The current U.S. government grant listing gives May 31, 2027, as the closing date, with individual application deadlines governed by the program statement.

Source: Business in Cameroon