The sharp withdrawal of USAID support is putting millions of lives at risk across Africa — but it also presents a clear call to action. Now is the moment for African governments, businesses, and high-net-worth individuals to show leadership, invest boldly in local solutions, and help secure the continent’s future on its own terms.
In countries where we live and work, the U.S. Agency for International Development cuts threaten to reverse efforts to combat malaria in Mali and HIV/AIDS in South Africa, leading to widespread illness and death. In countries like Senegal, the cuts mean the end of critical health programs, such as training for health care providers on maternal and neonatal care and the procurement of essential medical equipment. And in places such as Gambia, the cuts risk the country’s transitional justice process and may derail it, leaving victims without justice, undermining accountability and threatening other governance issues, including human rights.
Activists and development advocates across the continents have been raising the alarm about these outcomes. At the same time, we recognize that along with the benefits of foreign aid, came many harms. This included the use of foreign development assistance to impose agendas insensitive to local realities, exorbitant management costs, and the neglect of local players.
About the authors
Brett Davidson
Brett Davidson is originally from South Africa, now based in New York. He is the founder and principal at Wingseed LLC, which supports changemakers around the world to develop skills in storytelling, listening, and narrative for social transformation. He was previously the director of media and narratives at the Open Society Public Health Program.
Bowel Diop
Bowel Diop is a Senegalese social economy specialist and influential speaker, driven by her passion for knowledge sharing and social innovation. With expertise in project financing and fundraising, she actively champions girls' and women's rights in Africa. Over her 10-year career, she has combined technical expertise with the ability to inspire change through her speaking engagements and training program.
Mariama Jobarteh
Mariama Jobarteh is a gender justice advocate. She is the founder of Fantanka, a women-led organisation addressing sexual and gender-based violence, trauma-informed care, and transitional justice issues. A former Psychosocial Support Officer for The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, she now serves as a consultant, speaker, and mentor.
Job Tiguem Poudiougo
Job Tiguem Poudiougo is a Malian professional involved in humanitarian protection, with several years' experience in GBV, child protection, and community advocacy. Currently an intern with the Aspen Global Innovators Group, he designs innovative projects focusing on resilience, local capacity-building, and the empowerment of community structures.
