The Global Fragility Act (GFA) is bipartisan legislation signed into law in 2019, allowing the U.S. to initiate a 10-year strategy to stabilize countries affected by violence through development programs benefiting vulnerable communities. The GFA enables the U.S. to assist poverty-stricken countries like Benin by empowering vulnerable groups, such as women and youth, to run businesses and promote economic activity. However, the GFA needs reauthorization in a few years to continue development assistance to countries affected by poverty, especially considering the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reauthorizing the GFA is necessary to help vulnerable communities affected by these challenges.

The Impact of the Iran War on Poverty

As of May 2026, the war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran has increased poverty due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, hindering shipments of essential food and items to vulnerable communities. For example, Sudan’s agriculture sector, already struggling with poverty since its civil war, faces a decline in crop and food production due to rising fertilizer and fuel prices from the Iran war. This situation is dire, as more than 40% of the population is experiencing crisis levels of hunger and approximately two-thirds depend on agriculture for food and livelihood. Reauthorizing the GFA provides the U.S. and humanitarian organizations with an effective strategy to tackle rising poverty in countries like Sudan amid national and global conflicts.

Benin: Livelihoods Improved via Energy and Financial Support

The coastal West African country Benin received energy and financial support from the U.S. through the GFA, potentially lifting millions out of poverty. Through its foreign aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. helped Benin complete the Benin Power Compact, expected to provide energy access to 11 million people over the next 20 years. Additionally, through the International Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. provided $7.5 million loan to support small and medium enterprises in Benin run by women and persons with disabilities. Reauthorizing the GFA empowers the U.S. to continue assisting developing countries enduring hardships caused by the Iran war.

Libya: Hope via Reconstruction and Economic Opportunities

The U.S. utilized the GFA to aid Libya’s reconstruction and provide economic opportunities to women and ethnic minorities. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the U.S. launched the Reconstruction Fund for Murzuq, Libya, raising $7 million from European allies, the Libyan government and U.S. funds to rebuild Murzuq. Furthermore, the Libya Economic Acceleration Program worked with the Libyan Central Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to support small- and medium-sized enterprises in southern Libya owned by women and ethnic minorities through $15 million in microfinance support. Reauthorizing the GFA will help lift millions more out of poverty in Libya amid their civil conflicts and potential impacts from the Iran war.

Reauthorizing the Ability to Save More Lives

Reauthorizing the Global Fragility Act allows the U.S. to play a positive role globally, given the consequences of its war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As a powerful nation economically, militarily and diplomatically, the U.S. is urged to use its power to bring peace and security to vulnerable groups worldwide. Currently, members of Congress from both parties are working to end the Iran war quickly and ensure taxpayer money improves the lives of those affected. Reauthorizing the GFA will be key to ending the war and creating a future where millions can escape poverty and achieve their dreams.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr