Trump shuts down power Africa program after 12 years
The Trump administration has shut down Power Africa, a program launched in 2013 under Barack Obama to expand access to electricity across Africa.
According to AfricaNews, most of Power Africa’s programs have been ended, and the majority of its staff dismissed. However some remaining initiatives, especially those connecting projects with U.S. companies, may be continued under different government agencies.
A spokesperson from the US State Department said every Power Africa program is now under review to decide if it aligns with national interests. “Programs that serve our nation’s interests will continue. However, programs that aren’t aligned with our national interest will not,” said the official.
Power Africa operated under funding from USAID, which was shut down in January. Power Africa aimed to allow tens of millions of African households to access electricity. These closures are all part of broader cuts as Trump makes efforts to reduce government spending.
Trumps USAID cuts were already having a detrimental effect upon African countries, after the freeze in aid closed 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan, causing widespread hunger. Similarly concerns were sparked after the aid freeze began to effect Uganda’s Ebola outbreak response, contact tracing staff were laid off, and screening initiatives were stopped due to lack of funds.
AfricaNews, Maghrebi, African Development Bank Group
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