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Many Africans were aware that Trump’s “America First” policy implied that their continent would not be a top priority.
However, few anticipated the abrupt suspension of foreign aid from the world’s largest donor, a decision that disrupted funding for crucial programs addressing disease control, girls’ education, and free school meals.
Although exceptions were later introduced following global criticism, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to suffer the most as the majority of international aid is paused for 90 days pending a spending review.
Last year alone, the U.S. allocated more than $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid to the region.
For many Africans, the primary concern quickly became the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), widely regarded as one of the most effective foreign aid initiatives ever implemented.
Over the past two decades, this bipartisan program has been credited with saving over 25 million lives, primarily in Africa, the continent it was designed to support.
“The world is shocked,” said South Africa’s health minister, whose country has the highest number of people living with HIV, in response to the U.S. aid freeze.
Pontsho Pilane, an activist and author, argues that the issue revolves around the rights of marginalized communities.
She contends that while this situation presents an opportunity to reassess U.S. international interests, at its core, it reflects an anti-rights agenda rather than a push for economic independence for nations like South Africa and other African countries.
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi highlighted that the U.S. contributes nearly 20% of South Africa’s $2.3 billion annual HIV/AIDS program through PEPFAR, raising concerns about the sustainability of the largest global response to a single disease.
In South Africa, where more than 8 million people live with HIV, officials report that PEPFAR supplies life-saving antiretroviral treatment to 5.5 million individuals daily.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that “life-saving” aid, including medical treatment, food, and shelter, would be exempt from the freeze. However, there remains uncertainty over which programs qualify for these exemptions.
The United Nations AIDS program has reported that many organizations dependent on PEPFAR funding have shut down due to the aid suspension, leading to “widespread uncertainty about the future.”
According to UNAIDS, more than 20 million people worldwide receive HIV treatment supported by PEPFAR.
In Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, and other locations, PEPFAR-funded facilities remained closed even after exemption announcements, forcing HIV patients to seek care at government hospitals and clinics.
In Soweto, Johannesburg’s largest township, staff at the PEPFAR-supported HIVSA center turned away patients. A notice at the well-known Wits RHI Key Populations Clinic, which serves adults and children with HIV, read: “We apologize for the inconvenience this causes.”
Experts remain uncertain about the full impact on HIV programs but warn that the consequences could be both immediate and severe.
Even high-ranking officials within the aid community are unsure which U.S.-funded programs can continue, even on a temporary basis.
Gethrude Tukura, a digital marketing professional, supported former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s stance that African nations should reduce their dependency on foreign aid.
She stated that, “The aid cuts for Africa align with Uhuru Kenyatta’s warning. I believe this serves as a crucial reminder for African leaders to strengthen their economies rather than rely solely on international assistance.”
The Trump administration has warned USAID contractors and staff that they could face disciplinary measures for communicating with external parties without senior approval. This has left aid organizations fearful of losing funding if they speak out.
A humanitarian official told The Associated Press that at least 1.2 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo could lose essential support due to the aid freeze.
This official, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public statements, revealed that nearly half of their organization’s funding comes from USAID.
In total, over $100 million allocated to humanitarian efforts across more than 30 countries has been suspended, according to the official.
This aid suspension comes amid escalating conflict in eastern Congo, where millions have already been displaced. Last year, the outbreak of the mpox virus was declared a global health emergency in the region.
Despite the exemption for life-saving programs, the official noted that their organization has been instructed not to resume any USAID-funded activities until they receive explicit confirmation that the waiver applies to them.
