President Donald Trump, just hours into his second term in office, signed an executive order mandating a 90-day suspension of all new foreign development assistance. This pause, intended to allow for a review of “efficiencies and consistency” with the President’s policy goals, raises important questions about the ramifications for Africa, a continent where many nations have long relied on United States aid.
For years, several African governments have benefitted from substantial support from the US, helping finance projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, among other areas. With this sudden halt in funding, concerns have emerged about the immediate impact on programmes vital to economic and social development. Furthermore, the move highlights the broader issue of aid dependency, emphasising the need for African leaders to pursue greater self-reliance and establish stronger intra-continental cooperation.
According to the executive order, “all department and agency heads with responsibility for United States foreign development assistance programmes shall immediately pause new obligations and disbursements of development assistance funds.” Although the scope of this directive remains unclear, it could affect various countries and organisations, leaving many African stakeholders uncertain about the future of their programmes.
This directive echoes the approach taken by President Trump during his initial term in office from 2017 to 2021, when he proposed significant cuts to US diplomacy and foreign aid. At the time, his efforts to reduce funding for international organisations, including UN peacekeeping operations, met with resistance from Congress. Nevertheless, the latest executive order indicates that scepticism towards foreign assistance remains a central feature of his foreign policy strategy.
Critics argue that the pause should serve as a wake-up call for African nations to reduce reliance on external handouts. They advocate for initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a stronger African Union (AU) to bolster economic independence. By encouraging trade among African countries and fostering home-grown solutions, proponents believe the continent can become more resilient in the face of shifting international policies.
President Trump’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 offer further insight into his perspective. He insisted that the US was the largest donor of foreign aid yet received little in return, suggesting that future assistance would be reserved for nations that align more closely with American interests.
While it is not yet certain whether this 90-day freeze will be lifted or extended, African governments and institutions may need to reconsider their financial plans. The development could also spur them to pursue more sustainable and collaborative economic strategies. Ultimately, this pause presents both a challenge and an opportunity, a moment for Africa to reassess its dependence on foreign aid and strive for a stronger, more unified future.