The U.S. Department of State has announced that it will provide financial support for projects “promoting inclusive economic growth in Dakhla and Laayoune.”
The U.S. Embassy in Rabat stated that “up to $500,000 in funding is now open for proposals.”
According to the U.S. State Department, “eligible applicants include U.S. or foreign organizations: non-profit organizations; for-profit organizations; private higher education institutions; public international organizations; and/or small businesses with regional focus and experience in the areas of education and human development in the Middle East and North Africa region.”
The U.S. Embassy’s press release avoided specifying the geographic location of Laayoune and Dakhla.
The funding opportunity is part of the U.S. State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), which supports economic development, good governance, and civil society in the Middle East and North Africa.
The deadline for submitting proposals is May 17, 2024.
The recent announcement of US financial support for projects promoting economic growth in Dakhla and Laayoune is not the first time the US has partnered with Morocco through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).
MEPI has a history of supporting various development projects in the country.
One such example is the “Demand-Driven Skills Training for Youth Employment in Morocco” program. This MEPI-funded initiative focused on equipping young Moroccans with the necessary skills to enter the workforce.
By providing job search techniques and soft skills training, the program empowered over 600 participants and successfully placed more than 135 graduates in jobs.
Another example is the Al-Rawabet Project, implemented in partnership with the Near East Foundation (NEF). This project aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Safi-Marrakech region by supporting small construction and engineering businesses.
MEPI has funded projects that strengthen civil society organizations in Morocco. These organizations play a crucial role in promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance.
MEPI also offers local grants programs that allow Moroccan organizations to apply for funding for specific projects that address local needs. These projects could be quite diverse, ranging from environmental initiatives to community development programs.
Great initiative and attractive funding opportunity for researchers who carry out research with socio-economic impact,