The USAID/Nigeria Partnerships for Progress Annual Program Statement (APS) is a funding opportunity inviting concept submissions from locally-led organizations within Nigeria to address development priorities. This APS, issued on June 3, 2024, is open for submissions until June 2, 2025. USAID seeks to empower Nigerian organizations to lead and implement projects in alignment with Nigeria’s 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). This strategy aims to create a healthier, more educated, and resilient Nigeria through activities in economic growth, education, health, conflict mitigation, and governance. Rather than directly soliciting applications or proposals, this APS establishes a framework where specific opportunities will be announced throughout the year via "addenda," guiding applicants on USAID’s evolving priorities and instructions.

Eligibility for this APS is limited to Nigerian entities, which must be locally registered, majority-owned, and operated by Nigerian citizens or lawful residents. This restriction excludes U.S.-based and other foreign organizations as primary applicants. Eligible applicants may include NGOs, civic groups, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, private companies, and local government entities. USAID particularly encourages applications from entities new to USAID funding, as well as those representing marginalized groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.

The funding approach under this APS supports flexibility, co-creation, and innovation, allowing USAID and selected partners to collaboratively shape project designs and objectives. The maximum award ceiling for any project under this APS is $40 million, with an anticipated total funding of $250 million across multiple awards over up to five years. Awarded projects should include cost-sharing or resource-leveraging strategies to promote local ownership and sustainability. USAID will assess applicants’ capacity to handle funding levels sustainably, ensuring the awarded scope aligns with each organization’s growth potential.

Applicants are expected to integrate locally led, participatory development approaches, meaning they must engage local communities in all stages of the project. This focus on inclusive design and management intends to shift decision-making power to local actors. Furthermore, USAID emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) throughout the development process, requiring applicants to incorporate marginalized voices and ensure accessible communication and outreach within the proposed activities.

Application steps under this APS require responding to specific addenda published throughout the year, with submissions accepted through various formats, such as concept papers, presentations, or videos, as specified by the addenda. Successful concepts must demonstrate locally-led participatory methods, a plan for capacity strengthening, a commitment to DEIA principles, and a sustainable approach to achieve long-term impact without ongoing USAID support. Initial submissions are limited to concept papers or equivalent brief formats, and co-creation sessions with USAID may follow for selected concepts. Formal applications may only be requested if the project advances to this stage.

For application preparation and additional resources, applicants are advised to visit [www.workwithusaid.gov](https://www.workwithusaid.gov/), which provides tools for assessing organizational readiness and connecting with USAID networks. Organizations should also complete a pre-engagement assessment available on the website to ensure readiness to comply with USAID requirements, including maintaining active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) if selected for funding.