One of the first institutions to receive an ASHA grant in Africa was Cuttington University College in Liberia, the oldest private, co-educational, four-year degree granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa.  ASHA's primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of institutions in the Africa Region to demonstrate American advances in educational and medical technology and practices in the areas of research, training and patient care. Many of the institutions in this region have expanded, improved and extended peace, leadership and democratic governance training and dialog in countries that have economic and political problems.

The impact of ASHA grants has increased the number and quality of institutions of higher learning and hospital centers in Africa. The grants have also contributed to improvements in the socio-economic livelihoods of the communities served and increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Africa.

Educational institutions in this region provide academic and vocational training at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels. The universities offer programs in the liberal arts, business, medicine, nursing, agriculture, and the sciences.

Many graduates and recipients of services provided from ASHA assisted institutions in Africa are now key decision makers in their respective fields of endeavor. They include Ministers of Government and Members of Parliament, as well as professionals in education, law, medicine and business.