Annual Program Statement

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose collaborative approaches and programs that integrate multiple priority areas.

Priority Program Areas/Goals: Applicants may submit a proposal to address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objective.

Priority Program Areas:

· Commercial Diplomacy and U.S.-Zimbabwe Trade

· Artificial Intelligence for improved prosperity

· Cybersecurity

· Technology Literacy and Resilience

· Free Speech

· American Excellence in education, media, sports, creative industries, civil society

GOAL 1. FREE SPEECH AND OPEN EXPRESSION

Promote democratic principles including freedom of speech and civic participation; particularly if they share best practices for citizen advocacy or explore the challenges modern media houses face in a digital economy and the ethical standards needed to gain public confidence.

Project Audience(s): Organizations and individuals that reflect American values, policies and priorities

Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas.

Outcome: A more informed and media-literate Zimbabwean public that can identify and resist disinformation, with stronger independent media institutions operating transparently and ethically. Strengthening independent media in Zimbabwe advances U.S. strategic interests in promoting open, stable societies across Africa.

GOAL 2. ADVANCE U.S.- ZIMBABWE COMMERCIAL TIES AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Advance economic prosperity; particularly connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative community with online marketing tools.

Project...