Just a little over a year ago, localization was one of the biggest talking points in aid. After decades of discussions, momentum was finally building to move the sector’s center of gravity away from Western capitals and the international organizations headquartered there, and toward the national governments and local communities most affected by aid.
Even as the sector edged apprehensively toward the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president in January 2025, there was talk that the incoming president might embrace localization for its greater efficiencies.
That was not how things played out. Instead of attempting to reform aid, Trump took a sledgehammer to it.