Africa Regional Services Paris Annual Program Statement: ARS Speaker Program

Africa Regional Services Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, is seeking U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches for the ARS Speaker Program roster to support public diplomacy and broader U.S. foreign policy goals in sub-Saharan Africa. The program funds individual outreach activities, both in person and virtual, on priority themes including security, economic prosperity, innovation and entrepreneurship, energy security and critical minerals, and American arts, sports, and creative industries. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with demonstrated expertise and be able to deliver programs in English and either French or Portuguese; roster inclusion does not guarantee funding, which depends on a specific embassy or consulate request matching the applicant’s expertise and availability. Statements of Interest are due August 31, 2026, with awards ranging from $500 to $12,000, and submissions must use the designated form with supporting documents emailed to ARSSpeaker@state.gov using the subject line “SOI” and the applicant’s full name.