For decades, the United States and African countries have collaborated as partners in several socioeconomic development initiatives of mutual interests across the African continent. Now, as the U.S. has frozen nearly all foreign assistance, halting billions of dollars in global funding as part of the “America First” agenda, it is time for an “Africa First” perspective.
An “Africa First” strategy ought to promote domestic mobilization of resources by African nations to substantially invest in strategic infrastructure investment, social services provision, and human capital development.
In the decade leading up to 2023, approximately 70% of the yearly nonhumanitarian aid provided by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development for Africa was allocated to health projects, with aid for HIV/AIDS accounting for most funding. Other financing has aimed to increase agricultural production and economic growth, strengthen security, promote democracy, human rights, and governance, and expand access to education and social services.
About the author
Seleman Yusuph Kitenge
Seleman Yusuph Kitenge works as a communications and advocacy officer at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. He is a specialist in global peace and security, diplomacy and regional development affairs. He is a recipient of numerous national, continental, and global recognition for his engagements in peace, security, and development matters.
