The United States Government represented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through USAID/Morocco invites Concept Notes that capitalize on improving livelihoods of citizens in Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco by improving sub-national participatory governance and promoting economic development.

The goal of the Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Program is to support the Government of Morocco (GOM) in ensuring that the Moroccan people benefit from the reforms made in the 2011 Constitution by enabling them to participate fully economically, politically, and socially in their communities. This solicitation aims to improve the livelihoods of citizens in the Marrakech-Safi (MS) region of Morocco by improving sub-national participatory governance and promoting economic development. 

Program Objectives

• Objective 1: Improve and institutionalize Sub-National Participatory Governance in Marrakech-Safi: USAID/Morocco seeks to improve sub-national participatory governance with activities that target both local public institutions and civil society. There are two Sub-Objectives:
  • Sub-Objective 1.1. Increase transparency and performance of sub-national government institutions
  • Sub-Objective 1.2. Strengthen the role of Citizens and CSOs in sub-national governance.
• Objective 2: Enhance Business and Livelihood Opportunities in Marrakech-Safi: The region of BMK presents great opportunities for economic growth and job creation. USAID/Morocco aims to enhance economic opportunity in the region, focusing on the following Sub-Objectives:
  • Sub-Objective 2.1. Workforce Skills are Better Aligned with Labor Market Needs.
  • Sub-Objective 2.2. Improve the Business and Innovation Ecosystem in MarrakechSafi.

Funding Information

• USAID/Morocco may allocate up to $18 million in total over the course of the next year to fund a portfolio of programs, with funding for individual program applications.
• The proposed period of performance is between three to five years.

Eligibility Criteria

Any type of organization is eligible to submit a Concept Note under the Inclusive Socio-Economic Development Addendum. However, in accordance with the requirements of the overarching Science, Technology, Innovation, and Partnership Annual Program Statement (7200AA20APS00006, page 14), Concept Notes submitted in response to this Addendum must include partnerships with the following actors at minimum:

• A Higher Education Institution (HEI). Partnerships with Morocco, U.S., or international HEIs are acceptable. Consistent with guidance from USAID/E3/Education, a higher education institution is defined as an organization that provides educational opportunities that build on secondary education, providing learning activities in specialized fields; this may include public or private universities, colleges, research institutes, training institutes, vocational training centres, etc.
• A Local Partner. Local partners can be any type of Moroccan organization (public, private, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), etc.) preferably those based or with an existing permanent presence in the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.