The end of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under President Trump’s administration has sparked a surprising reaction from some. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the former ambassador of the African Union to the US, believes this development could actually be a good thing for Africa.
In a recent conversation with host Steve Clemons, Chihombori-Quao expressed her view that USAID has not made a significant impact during its long history of working in Africa. She pointed out that many of its education and healthcare projects have not led to lasting change. Instead, she claims that USAID has sometimes caused instability in African countries while promoting agendas related to environmental issues, human rights, or social justice.
Chihombori-Quao also emphasized that if the US is not interested in building a relationship with Africa, then African leaders should not feel compelled to seek better ties. She noted, “It takes two to tango,” highlighting the need for mutual interest in any partnership.
This perspective invites a broader discussion about the role of foreign aid in Africa and the expectations surrounding it. As the landscape of international relations shifts, the focus may turn toward finding new ways for African nations to engage with global partners, rather than relying on traditional aid models.