OUR WORK
BACKGROUND
Since 1995, the U.S. government, primarily through USAID, has provided more than $2 billion in assistance to support democratic, social, and economic progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and to advance the country toward its goal of Euro-Atlantic integration. USAID is currently implementing 21 activities in the Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance sectors across BiH. USAID’s bilateral funding in Fiscal Year 2023 was $25.9 million.
PROGRAMATIC FOCUS
USAID supports private sector growth, job creation, increased access to EU and regional markets, and a stronger business environment. USAID is addressing a lack of access to finance for BiH startups and entrepreneurs by creating new bank lending products and innovative investment opportunities.
USAID’s e-governance and digitalization efforts improve government services, counter malign influence and increase BiH’s integration with Western markets and institutions.
USAID supports efforts to fight endemic corruption, which puts BiH’s Euro-Atlantic integration at risk and is consistently at the top of citizens’ concerns.
USAID is also strengthening rule of law, independent media, energy security, citizen engagement, and election integrity measures to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections,
RESULTS
Private Sector Engagement - Since 2017, USAID has supported 232 diaspora companies that have invested $82 million and sold more than $200 million worth of goods and services, mostly as exports.
Tourism – USAID's extensive support has created more than 1,000 tourism jobs since 2020 and is playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the sector, which has seen record-breaking visits and overnight stays in recent years.
Energy – In July 2023, USAID supported the Federation of BiH in developing and adopting three energy sector laws, which will help BiH diversify energy sources and transition toward sustainable energy.
Reconciliation – In May 2024, USAID and the Memorial Center Srebrenica-Potocari opened a facility for housing human remains, personal items, and clothing of unidentified victims of genocide.
Media – USAID-supported journalism partners exposed corruption in the procurement of Covid-19 respirators resulting in the 2023 conviction and jailing of former Prime Minister Fadil Novalic and cronies, the first high-level corruption conviction in BiH.
Justice – Since 2019, USAID trained 72 prosecutors and judges in effective prosecution and adjudication of high-level corruption. Indictments made by USAID partner prosecutor offices tripled between 2020 and 2022.
