The USAID funding opportunity titled “Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in West Africa” (NOFO No. 72062424APS00002) seeks to prevent, mitigate, and respond to SGBV and TIP across six West African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, and Togo. USAID's West Africa Regional Peace and Governance Office (RPGO) invites local African organizations to apply for cooperative agreements and grants to implement activities focused on these critical issues. The initiative's goal is to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organizations to address SGBV and TIP through collaborative, survivor-centered, and context-sensitive approaches. Subject to availability of funds, USAID intends to award up to five grants or cooperative agreements, with a total of $9.989 million available over a period of up to 36 months. The maximum award amount per project is set at $4 million.

The funding opportunity aims to address both human rights challenges and development issues. SGBV, including intimate partner violence, forced marriage, and conflict-related sexual violence, continues to affect millions of individuals, particularly women and girls, in West Africa. These acts not only violate human rights but also have negative socio-economic impacts, including weakened economic development, political instability, and social cohesion. TIP, likewise, poses a significant threat to regional stability, exacerbated by conflict, poverty, and climate change. TIP crimes, such as forced labor and sex trafficking, exploit vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), further destabilizing communities and undermining trust in government authorities. The dual focus of the program reflects the interrelated nature of these issues and their significant consequences for regional development and security.

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and contextually appropriate solutions that are both scalable and sustainable. While the NOFO provides illustrative outcomes, including reducing levels of SGBV and TIP, strengthening legal frameworks, and increasing the capacity of civil society, applicants are given flexibility to develop their own approaches. Proposals should address the local and regional dimensions of these problems and engage with marginalized groups, such as women, LGBTQI individuals, and persons with disabilities. A gender-informed and locally led development framework is central to the NOFO, and applicants are urged to incorporate inclusive approaches that ensure the participation and benefit of all, including those at risk of perpetrating or experiencing SGBV and TIP.

Eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to local African organizations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and African colleges and universities. For-profit organizations may apply but must forego profit, while government entities are ineligible. The primary focus of the program is to empower African institutions to build resilience and capacity to tackle SGBV and TIP in their own communities.

The application process is multi-phased, beginning with the submission of a Concept Paper. If the Concept Paper meets USAID’s criteria, applicants may be invited to engage in a co-creation process to refine their technical approaches. Full applications will only be requested from those selected after the co-creation process. The NOFO outlines detailed requirements for Concept Papers, including background on the proposed interventions, expected outcomes, and the capacity of the applicant. Proposals should highlight technical, managerial, and financial capacities and address key programmatic themes such as inclusion, sustainability, and risk mitigation. USAID will evaluate applications based on their relevance to the NOFO’s objectives, the strength of the technical approach, and the applicant’s capacity to successfully implement the project.

The estimated start date for awards under this NOFO is December 2024, with activities expected to last between one and five years. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions to USAID before the specified deadline to ensure clarity on any aspect of the application process. The NOFO also includes provisions for substantial USAID involvement in program implementation, including the approval of annual work plans and key personnel, as well as environmental compliance, branding, and marking requirements.