The recent withdrawal of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has triggered widespread disruption across Africa, severely affecting public health systems, food security, and economic development efforts. The cuts, initiated as part of a broader policy shift by the U.S. administration, have impacted millions, threatening years of progress in some of the continent's most vulnerable regions.

Collapse of Health Services 

One of the most immediate and visible consequences of the funding cuts is in the health sector. In West Africa, the USAID-funded program for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which had been operational since 2013, has come to a halt. This program had reached over 1.7 billion people in 31 countries and was instrumental in helping many nations eliminate diseases such as trachoma, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and schistosomiasis. With its closure, over 100 million people are now at risk of these diseases re-emerging. The loss also includes the possible wastage of nearly $1 billion worth of donated medication that will no longer be distributed.

In South Sudan, the shutdown of health facilities due to funding cuts has led to a worsening public health crisis. At least eight people, including five children, have died from cholera in Jonglei state following the closure of seven health centers. Those still operating are only doing so partially, forcing patients to walk several hours for basic medical care. The country is also grappling with broader humanitarian challenges, made worse by armed conflict and climate-related disasters.

In addition, the U.S. has reduced support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been central to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention across Africa. LGBTQ+ communities, already marginalized in many African societies, are especially vulnerable under the new funding constraints. Health workers have expressed concern that the rollback of this critical program could lead to a resurgence of HIV infections and deaths due to interruptions in treatment.

Intensified Food Insecurity

The cuts have also had a dramatic effect on food aid across the continent. USAID had been a key partner of the World Food Programme (WFP), especially in drought- and conflict-affected regions like Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. In Somalia, where famine is a looming threat, the WFP has been forced to cut the number of people receiving food assistance from 2.2 million to just over 800,000. The resulting shortage is increasing malnutrition, especially among children, and putting millions at risk of starvation.

In South Sudan, already dealing with displacement and a fragile political situation, 7.7 million people are now facing severe food insecurity. The suspension of U.S. food assistance has further weakened the already overstretched humanitarian response in the country.

Wider Economic and Social Repercussions

The economic consequences of USAID's departure are expected to be long-lasting. Analysts estimate that the aid reduction could push an additional 5.7 million Africans into extreme poverty within a year. Projections suggest this number could rise to 19 million by 2030 if current trends continue. While some African governments hope to compensate for the shortfall through increased foreign direct investment (FDI), studies suggest that in the poorest countries, FDI alone is insufficient and may even contribute to inequality.

A staggering 83 percent of USAID contracts have been canceled, affecting thousands of development projects across the continent. Countries like Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the hardest hit, with their funding slashed by nearly 100 percent. The loss of these projects affects not just health and food sectors, but also education, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development.

Seeking a Path Forward

In the face of adversity, some African leaders and civil society groups are urging a reassessment of development priorities. There is growing momentum for the continent to reduce dependency on foreign aid and to diversify partnerships. Several governments are exploring new alliances with non-Western donors and focusing on strengthening local governance and resource mobilization.

Nevertheless, the immediate effects of the aid cuts are dire. Millions of people are now more vulnerable to disease, hunger, and poverty. Humanitarian organizations are calling for the restoration of critical funding and urging the international community to step in to prevent a large-scale humanitarian crisis.

As Africa grapples with the fallout from these abrupt changes, the need for sustainable, locally driven solutions has never been more urgent. The next steps taken by African governments, global partners, and international donors will determine whether the continent can recover from this setback—or spiral deeper into crisis.