Trump’s 90% reduction in USAID funding has thrown 600 million Africans into crisis. The $60 billion slash represents 26% of all African aid, pushing nearly 6 million people into extreme poverty within a year. Countries like DRC and Somalia are reeling from economic shocks equal to 3% of their GNI. HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria programs, and basic infrastructure—gone. African leaders call it a “wake-up call,” but that’s cold comfort when hospitals close. The human toll? Just getting started.
While African nations have long relied on American generosity, the Trump administration‘s sweeping cuts to foreign aid have left the continent reeling. The numbers are staggering: a 90% reduction in USAID contracts for Africa—about $60 billion slashed. For perspective, the US provides up to 26% of all foreign aid to the continent. That’s gone now. Poof.
The economic fallout? Catastrophic. Models predict 5.7 million more Africans falling below the extreme poverty line in just one year. By 2030, that number balloons to 19 million. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy will shrink by $4.6 billion. Not exactly spare change for developing nations.
The cuts will push millions into extreme poverty while shrinking Africa’s economy by billions. Devastating for developing nations.
Some countries are getting hit harder than others. The DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan—they’re feeling it most. In these places, US aid makes up over a fifth of all development assistance. When that disappears, you’re looking at economic shocks equal to 3% of GNI. Yeah, that matters.
Health programs are taking the biggest hit. HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria control—all on the chopping block. More deaths among refugees and displaced people. Essential medical services disrupted. These cuts have led to the permanent termination of funding for critical health programs, including HIV/AIDS initiatives. Public health experts anticipate a significant increase in malaria, tuberculosis, and polio infections across the continent. Public health officials are freaking out, even if they won’t say it publicly.
African leaders are putting on a brave face. Some are calling this a “wake-up call” to end dependency on foreign aid. Leaders in Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria talk about self-reliance and internal capacity. Noble words, sure. But behind closed doors? Pure panic.
The truth is harsh: when aid constitutes 11% of gross national income in the worst-affected countries, you can’t just shrug it off. USAID spent over $12 billion in sub-Saharan Africa last year. That money built hospitals, funded schools, provided clean water. Now it’s gone.
Funny how easily 600 million people can be left in the dark. With the stroke of a pen.
References
- https://issafrica.org/iss-today/data-modelling-reveals-the-heavy-toll-of-usaid-cuts-on-africa
- https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/africas-quiet-response-us-realignment-foreign-aid
- https://www.semafor.com/article/02/12/2025/countries-worst-hit-by-usaid-cuts
- https://www.brookings.edu/articles/congress-africa-and-trump-what-does-the-future-hold/
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/g20-south-africa-health-aid-trump-funding-cuts/
