The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a crucial force in Africa’s development, investing billions of dollars in programs that support health, education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. However, with the recent decision to close or significantly reduce its presence in several African nations, the ripple effects on women—who have been key beneficiaries of USAID’s programs—could be devastating.
Women’s Health and Maternal Care
USAID has invested heavily in healthcare programs across Africa, particularly in maternal health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and reproductive health services. The agency has funded over $8 billion in health initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade. In 2022 alone, USAID-supported programs provided prenatal care to 5.2 million women and helped deliver over 230,000 babies in safe medical facilities.
With the closure of USAID-backed health initiatives, access to critical maternal healthcare services will be reduced, increasing maternal and infant mortality rates. Many rural clinics rely on USAID funding for medical supplies and trained personnel. Without these resources, women may face increased risks during childbirth, unintended pregnancies, and a resurgence of preventable diseases.
Education for Girls
Through its programs, USAID has supported the education of millions of African girls, providing scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship opportunities. The Let Girls Learn initiative alone has empowered more than 3.3 million adolescent girls across Africa to stay in school. Additionally, USAID helped construct over 1,500 schools in underserved regions, ensuring that young girls could access quality education.
The agency’s closure threatens these educational gains, particularly in rural areas where government funding is insufficient to maintain school infrastructure and teacher salaries. This could lead to an increase in school dropouts among girls, forcing many into early marriages and limiting their future economic opportunities.
Women in Business and Economic Empowerment
USAID has played a pivotal role in funding women-led enterprises, training female entrepreneurs, and providing access to microfinance programs. Between 2018 and 2023, USAID invested over $1.5 billion in women’s economic empowerment programs in Africa. These funds have helped 1.8 million women-owned businesses scale their operations and improve household incomes.
With USAID pulling out, thousands of women-led businesses may struggle to secure funding, mentorship, and training opportunities. This could result in job losses and financial instability for millions of families who rely on women as primary breadwinners.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Support
Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Africa, with 1 in 3 women experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime. USAID has been instrumental in funding GBV response centers, legal aid programs, and safe houses. In 2022 alone, USAID provided direct support to over 500,000 survivors of gender-based violence across the continent.
Without USAID’s intervention, many of these support structures could collapse, leaving countless women vulnerable to abuse without access to legal or psychological support services.
The Way Forward
The closure of USAID programs does not have to spell disaster for African women, but urgent action is needed. African governments, local NGOs, and international donors must step in to fill the funding and service gaps left behind. Private sector partnerships could also play a critical role in sustaining women-focused initiatives.
As the landscape of foreign aid shifts, African women must not be left behind. The progress made over the past decades must be safeguarded through innovative solutions and stronger local leadership to ensure continued support for women’s health, education, and economic empowerment.
