US Cuts 83% of USAID Programs, Slashing Aid to Africa
Published on March 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has confirmed that 83% of USAID programs will be canceled, significantly reducing US development aid to Africa.
The decision follows a six-week review of US aid spending ordered by President Donald Trump, with input from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Rubio stated that 5,200 contracts, worth tens of billions of dollars, were found to be ineffective or even harmful to US interests.
The remaining 1,000 programs will be managed more efficiently under the State Department in consultation with Congress.
Trump had previously issued an executive order freezing foreign aid and demanding a full review of spending.
Thousands of USAID staff have been placed on administrative leave, with overseas workers preparing to return to the US.
Africa, a major recipient of US aid, is expected to be significantly impacted by the cuts.
In 2024, sub-Saharan Africa received $12 billion in USAID funding, with the largest recipients including DR Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, and South Sudan.
