The USAID/Central Asia 2020-2025 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) aims to create a self-reliant, interconnected Central Asia resistant to malign influences. Focused on enhancing regional cooperation, the strategy sets two key development objectives: 1) Strengthening regional connectivity with Afghanistan through trade, energy modernization, and enhanced water management; 2) Advancing resilience against regional vulnerabilities, specifically combating trafficking in persons and reducing risks of violent extremism.
The Central Asia region faces diverse development challenges, including economic dependency on natural resources, inadequate trade integration, and vulnerabilities to external shocks, exacerbated by COVID-19 impacts. Solutions necessitate collaboration across national governments and engagement with civil society to implement reforms and empower local stakeholders. Key strategies include fostering public-private partnerships, harmonizing legal frameworks for trafficking and migration, promoting gender equality, and leveraging youth involvement.
Through its initiatives, USAID seeks to improve economic opportunities, enhance institutional capacities, and encourage sustainable development while countering security threats. This RDCS aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy goals and establishes a holistic framework that prioritizes long-term resilience and regional collaboration, particularly in addressing shared challenges across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding water and environmental cooperation in Central Asia, with the purpose of gathering insights to guide the design of new projects. The RFI aims to identify challenges and opportunities in enhancing regional transboundary water collaboration, improving water security, and fostering investment in water efficiency. Despite over a decade of partnership in the sector, barriers remain, such as the need for increased political will and transparency in water markets.
Respondents are invited to address specific questions related to obstacles and opportunities in the water sector, including enhancing water efficiency, promoting locally led development, and encouraging public-private investments. The responses will inform a potential new water activity succeeding the WAVE initiative.
While the RFI does not obligate USAID to issue a funding opportunity or cover respondent costs, the Agency encourages input to shape future programming. Interested parties must submit feedback by March 28, 2024, outlining their organizational capabilities to contribute to these efforts. The outcome will be crucial for advancing sustainable management of water resources throughout Central Asia.