“Do good work with other donors and leverage your experience. Your work will prove itself and put you in the right rooms,” said Credo Advisory’s CEO, Awele Okigbo, at a virtual event themed ‘How to Enter and Grow in the USAID Market’ on July 13, 2023. Organised by AidEx and moderated by AidKonekt, the panel discussion shared insights and guidance to organisations and individuals interested in starting or expanding their work with USAID funding.
In his presentation, Mike Shanley, Founder/CEO AidKonekt, highlighted the three ‘Ps’ for seeking USAID funding – past experiences, pipeline of opportunities and partnerships. One of his best practice recommendations for aspiring partners was to regard USAID as a donor and client, “Always follow directions. USAID is asking for something specific. Listen and deliver to them.”
Giving additional practical advice to navigate and succeed, Mrs. Okigbo emphasised the importance of networking, reaching out to USAID prime partners, and establishing relationships. “You must understand who the key players are and identify how to serve them.” Co-panelist, Dr. Justus Kilonzi Paul, Founder of Savannah Informatics, also highlighted USAID’s funding considerations, “USAID funds people who they think are going to succeed,” he said.
Another area of discussion was USAID’s localisation policy. Pointing out that there can be no development without home-grown solutions, Mrs. Okigbo stated, “The local element must be worked through all program phases. The affected people must ultimately be part of the design, solution and implementation. Beneficiaries must be transitioned to key partners and actors.”
