Archive for category: Aid

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USAID in Sudan: What Does the Shutdown Mean

usaid in sudanAs the Trump administration continues to shut down various foreign aid programs, the reverberations have been felt around the world. Sudan, in particular, has been thrust into a state of crisis following the closure of more than 1,000 USAID-supported soup kitchens and medical centers.

Crisis in Sudan

Sudan, a country of more than 50 million people located in East Africa, has been in a state of national emergency as war rages between the national army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands of families have been displaced due to the conflict, and humanitarian aid groups have reported malnutrition cases of millions of citizens, of which 3.2 million are children under 5 years old.

As of December 2024, more than half the population is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, a figure which has only worsened since the halting of U.S. foreign aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 50,000 cases of cholera in 11 states and mass exodus has put pressure on neighboring countries including Chad and South Sudan, which are already struggling with their own hunger crises.

USAID Levels Pre-Shutdown

Before the shutdown, USAID in Sudan was responsible for providing between 70% and 80% of funding for flexible cash programs, making it the largest single donor out of multiple countries and global organizations, according to BBC.

These programs consisted largely of an extended network of communal food kitchens— emergency response rooms (ERR)— which provided food, medicine and supplies for families located in regions out of reach from foreign aid workers.

Information regarding USAID in Sudan funding statistics is no longer available for viewing on the federal website, but archived reports have estimated that the U.S. has contributed more than $2 billion since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.

In 2024, the U.S. distributed $661 million of aid to Sudan through USAID. With this funding, USAID partners were able to reach nearly 6.7 million Sudanese citizens requiring emergency food assistance, in addition to providing safe drinking water to more than 8 million citizens as of April 2024.

Effects of the Shutdown

President Trump’s executive order to halt all foreign aid activity while conducting a 90-day review operates to cut all programs deemed extraneous to U.S. interests. Around 90% of USAID programs will be cut completely, consisting of $60 billion of foreign aid sent around the world.

This has halted many programs mid-transit, withholding crucial aid to those most in need. The federal government has granted an exception to emergency food assistance, but unclear guidelines have caused widespread confusion around implementation, BBC reports.

As funding disappeared overnight, an estimated 1,000 ERRs had to close, plunging the population deeper into crisis, according to NPR.

According to the BBC, around 2 million Sudanese citizens depended on these ERRs for food and medicine, and must now look elsewhere.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has outlined foreign aid requirements by country each year. In 2024, approximately 67% of the $2.7 billion required aid for Sudan was met, with the U.S. as the largest bilateral donor contributing 48% of committed funds. However, there are several other organizations that are working to help people in Sudan.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The IRC has operated in Sudan since 1981, delivering food and health services through six different offices located throughout the country. The range of programs are diverse, including water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH), gender-based services for women and children (GBV), health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash aid.

Led by county director Eatizaz Yousif, IRC’s team in Sudan has opened and closed multiple offices and dispatched mobile medical teams. It also assembles and distributes “dignity kits”— packages containing hygiene products and basic supplies for women and girls

Save the Children

Save the Children is one of the largest NGOs operating in Sudan, providing life-saving medical and malnutrition care to millions of Sudanese citizens. Programs include health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods, hygiene, shelter, child protection, and education. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, Save the Children has reached 3.8 million people, including 1.7 million children.

Save the Children focuses on reaching children and families in the most remote or hard-to-reach areas of Sudan. Teams currently operate in 13 out of the 18 states.

The World Food Program (WFP)

The WFP is responsible for providing emergency food assistance or cash to vulnerable refugees, internally displaced residents, and shock-affected communities. The WFP focuses on a wide range of areas— child malnutrition programs, legislative assistance, vocational skills training, irrigation systems, and crop storage representing only a subset. Since April 2023, the WFP has reached over 11 million people.

The U.S. served as the largest single donor to WFP operations before the shutdown, which is likely to cause some scalebacks in the coming weeks. However, the WFP was granted an exception to resume food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID programs — specifically, the Title II Food for Peace Program, in which global NGOs purchase surplus crops from American farmers to assist in emergency food aid

The shutdown of USAID in Sudan has constituted a major blow to progress being made in health, food, and poverty programs assisting those most affected by conflict. As cuts continue to be made in the U.S., it will fall to other nations and NGOs to fill in the gaps amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis.

– Sadie Claps

Sadie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tech Herfrica Bridging Digital Divide Empowering Women in Africa

Tech Herfrica Bridging Digital Divide Empowering Women in AfricaEmpowering women in Africa through digital and financial inclusion is at the heart of Tech Herfrica’s mission. Founded in 2023 by Nigerian public policy advisor Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, this social impact organization provides digital literacy training, internet-enabled devices and access to e-commerce platforms. Programs such as EquipHer4Growth and HerLocal Market have helped more than 4,000 women increase their incomes and livelihoods.

EquipHer4Growth

Tech Herfrica’s core programs, EquipHer4Growth and HerLocal Market, equip rural women with digital skills, financial literacy and access to new markets. The EquipHer4Growth program offers hands-on training in digital literacy and business management. Participants learn to operate computers and smartphones, navigate the internet, manage digital payments and leverage online marketing tools to expand their businesses.

The program provides financial literacy training to help women make informed financial decisions. Each participant receives an internet-enabled device, ensuring they have the necessary tools to compete in the current digital economy.

Graduates of EquipHer4Growth have successfully launched online businesses, expanded existing enterprises and improved their families’ quality of life. Tech Herfrica fosters economic independence and contributes to local development by empowering women in Africa with essential digital skills.

HerLocal Market

Complementing EquipHer4Growth, HerLocal Market connects rural female farmers and traders to local and international buyers. This e-commerce platform addresses one of the biggest challenges for women in rural areas, limited access to markets, by providing a digital space where they can showcase and sell their products.

Through HerLocal Market, women sell agricultural produce, handmade crafts and locally sourced goods. The platform reduces post-harvest waste, maximizes profits and provides logistics support and marketing tools. By reaching wider audiences, these women create sustainable income streams, directly contributing to local and regional economic growth.

Together, EquipHer4Growth and HerLocal Market represent a comprehensive approach to empowering women in Africa by equipping them with digital skills and connecting them to broader markets.

SDG Goals and Progress

Tech Herfrica’s work aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal One (End Poverty Everywhere), SDG Four (Quality Education), SDG Five (Gender Equality) and SDG Eight (Decent Work and Economic Growth). According to Tech Herfrica’s SDG Action Dashboard, the organization has already made measurable progress toward these goals by creating new economic opportunities and providing critical digital training for women and girls in rural communities. Access to technology, combined with digital literacy and market linkages through HerLocal Market, creates new income-generating opportunities for rural women, directly addressing the root causes of poverty by empowering women in Africa by eliminating barriers to economic independence. 

A Global Recognition and Future Expansion

Among many other awards, in 2023 Tech Herfrica was selected for the Chat for Women’s Livelihood Accelerator program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This 18-month initiative focuses on using chat-based technology, AI and large language models to enhance learning and boost women’s livelihoods in rural communities. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, Tech Herfrica aims to improve digital engagement and provide personalized support for women as they build skills and grow their businesses.

Through this accelerator program, Tech Herfrica collaborates with five other global organizations to develop innovative chat services on platforms such as WhatsApp, enabling more women to access essential resources, skills and mentorship opportunities. This partnership marks a significant step toward scaling Tech Herfrica’s impact and expanding its reach to thousands more women in underserved communities.

Looking Ahead

With a goal to empower 1 million women in Africa by 2030, Tech Herfrica continues to expand its programs, form new partnerships and develop innovative digital solutions. By using technology to break barriers, the organization remains at the forefront of empowering women in Africa through education, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

– Gregory Brychta

Gregory is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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4 Impacts of USAID Programs in Mozambique 

USAID Programs in Mozambique
While much progress has been made in recent years, Mozambique has long struggled with poverty due to natural disasters, COVID-19, lack of access to education and repeated conflict, with approximately 62% of the total population living in poverty. This means that a majority of the population is living on less than $1.90 a day. These circumstances often arise in the more rural parts of Mozambique where a lack of skills training lends to selling produce in markets leaving people with barely enough to support their families. Since its inception in 1961, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is a federal agency that aims to support countries by uplifting and strengthening communities through various programs and partnerships. The following are examples of success stories of USAID programs in Mozambique that follow a history of aid that spans more than 40 years in the country. 

Partnership With GiveDirectly

Following cyclone “Idai” in March 2019, hundreds of thousands of people experienced displacement from their homes in Mozambique. In combination with the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, approximately 4 million people, roughly 10% of the population, were facing food insecurity. To address this issue, USAID has partnered with GiveDirectly, a program that takes a unique approach to fighting poverty through direct cash deposits for villagers who need to purchase food, medical and agricultural supplies. Since 2021, GiveDirectly has provided $10.9 million in cash to 18,000+ people across 55 different villages which includes more than 7,000 households. 

USAID’s partnership with GiveDirectly in 2024 has allowed for the growth of programs like Cash+ Youth in Conflict Affected Communities which provides $250 each to youths while they receive business skills training through USAID. The partnership has also brought growth to GiveDirectly programs like Cash+ Climate Smart Agriculture and Cash+Resilient Agriculture. These programs provide cash transfers that increase distribution of agricultural inputs, training in sustainable agricultural practices and the purchase of new farm equipment like fertilizers and high-quality seeds.

Educational Programs

Education plays a pivotal role in allowing children to set themselves up for the future they deserve by learning necessary reading and writing skills. As of 2016, 94% of children in Mozambique attended primary school, a significant improvement from 2003 when only 72% of school aged children attended primary school. Despite this improvement, less than 5% of students demonstrated grade-level reading proficiency by the 3rd grade. This is primarily due to factors such as a lack of reading material, teacher and student absenteeism and limited community engagement in the daily life of the school.

USAID has invested in the education and future of Mozambique’s child population through new educational programs like SABER. This five-year program, announced on August 17, 2023, plans to expand bilingual education in more than 4,000 primary schools across the provinces of Zambezia, Niassa, Nampula and Cabo Delgado. SABER is part of USAID’s plan to invest more than $150 million into education and community engagement across Mozambique in the next five years, improving the literacy and numeracy skills of more than 2.2 million students.

Previous educational programs in Mozambique, such as “Eu Leio” (I Read), sought to increase the distribution of reading materials within a period of six years (2014-2020). The program accomplished this while improving school building capacities and holding students and teachers accountable for the learning outcomes of their community. As of September 2019, their efforts have established 116 school libraries, 116 school councils began monitoring teacher/student tardiness and absenteeism and 116 District Education Plans to address critical education gaps originated.

Gender Equality

Among many in Mozambique there remains long-standing beliefs about gender that tend to encourage discrimination towards women. These gender norms, among other contributing health epidemics like HIV is what leaves Mozambique rated 119th out of 166 other nations on the UNDP Gender Inequality Index. These disparities play out in a variety of ways with approximately half of women being illiterate, 11% of young women and adolescent girls contracting AIDS, and women comprising most of the unskilled labor force that includes agriculture despite their work going largely unpaid. Women in Mozambique face these problems, all while the media continues to support harmful stereotypes about women by portraying them as deserving of violence.

The harmful stereotypes in the media are why one of the many USAID programs in Mozambique is directed towards bridging the gender divide through the Media Strengthening Program. This program aims to amplify citizens’ voices who may not otherwise be heard by targeting gender biases in reporting while working to include female voices as sources. Key targets of gender biased reporting may include topics such as early marriage, women’s health issues and gender-based violence. While more work is necessary to end gender biases in Mozambique, the media is a key component in changing people’s perspective across the country so that further change faces less resistance.

Conservation Efforts

Among the USAID programs in Mozambique are efforts in wildlife conservation. No organization has exemplified this effort more than the partnership between Gorongosa National Park and USAID, a partnership that celebrates its 20th year anniversary as of 2024. After their initial partnership in 2004, USAID began its support of a number of initiatives in the Gorongosa National Park including wildlife protection with the hiring and training of park rangers, habitat restoration through the construction of beehive fences, and conservation through pangolin rehabilitation and veterinary care. With these efforts there are now more than 100,000 animals in the park including elephants, lions, hippos, antelope, painted wolves, hyenas and leopards.

The efforts of Gorongosa National Park, which USAID has supported, have created sustainable incomes for local residents by re-allocating jobs. For example, USAID’s partnership with Gonorosa National Park is replacing jobs like illegal hunting, mining and slash and burn logging with coffee cultivation, honey production, cashew farming, fish farming and chili growing. These efforts are in addition to how USAID’s support is reaching 200,000 people through community health workers, traditional birth attendants and mobile medical clinics.

Concluding Thoughts

These partnerships and organizations alongside many more have successfully demonstrated the impact that USAID programs in Mozambique have had in elevating communities. Mozambique is one country among many other success stories of the good work that USAID has accomplished throughout the world. 

– Hunter Gomersall

Hunter is based in Santa Barbara, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Rafah Border Crossing Opening and Rebuilding Palestine

Rafah border crossingThe Rafah border crossing, situated between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has historically served as Gaza’s sole passage to the outside world that does not traverse Israel. Established following the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty, it has long been a critical route for Palestinians seeking medical treatment. During times when other crossings were closed or restricted, the Rafah border crossing became a vital lifeline for the region.

The Impact of the Border’s Closure

The Rafah border crossing was sealed in early May 2024 following Israeli military actions. During an offensive in the southern part of Gaza, Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side of the crossing. This closure severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of the injured, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Tania Hary, director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights group, stated, “The most vulnerable residents of Gaza—its children, sick, and elderly—are paying the highest price” as a result of the closure, The New York Times reports.

The border’s closure left more than 2 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza without access to medical treatment or relief, adding to the region’s suffering.

Before the reopening, more than 6,000 patients were ready for evacuation for medical treatment abroad, and more than 12,000 patients were in urgent need due to the collapse of Gaza’s health system.

Reopening and Humanitarian Efforts

Since the Rafah border crossing reopened, Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that 37 children could enter Egypt for medical treatment, with approximately 60 family members accompanying them, according to AP News. This marked a significant success for those advocating for medical evacuations.

Several organizations have stepped forward to support these efforts.

The EU has reactivated its civilian mission to monitor the Rafah border crossing, deploying personnel to support Palestinian border officials. This initiative aims to ensure the efficient transfer of individuals requiring medical care out of Gaza.

International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (INARA) has been instrumental in organizing evacuations and ensuring that those in need, especially children, receive the treatment they urgently require.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in coordinating medical evacuations, providing logistical support, and advocating for expedited transfers. It estimates that between 12,000 to 14,000 Palestinians require urgent medical care outside of Gaza.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery

Despite the successful evacuation of some individuals, the process remains laborious. Arwa Damon, founder of INARA, described the evacuation of 2,500 Palestinian children requiring lifesaving medical care as a lengthy and complicated process. Parents or guardians must first apply for medical evacuation, after which the Health Ministry in Gaza reviews the cases and categorizes them based on urgency.

While the Rafah border crossing reopening has provided immediate relief, Gaza still faces immense challenges in its reconstruction efforts. The conflict has left extensive damage to infrastructure, with thousands of homes destroyed, and critical facilities like hospitals and schools severely impaired. The United Nations estimates that rebuilding Gaza will require more than $1.2 billion just to clear the rubble and could until 2040 to rebuild the shattered houses.

Security Concerns and International Efforts

The situation remains unstable, with fragile ceasefire talks still in progress. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, as both local and international actors continue to push for a resolution. The international community’s continued involvement will be essential in navigating these complex negotiations.

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is a vital step toward alleviating the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, substantial challenges persist. Long-term recovery will require continued international support, effective coordination, and the removal of material restrictions that hinder the region’s reconstruction.

– Mmanoko Faith Molobetsi

Mmanoko is based in Pretoria, South Africa and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Nonprofits Creating Food Security in Syria

Food Security in SyriaNonprofit organizations in Syria are on the ground working to alleviate the ongoing food insecurity crisis. Fourteen years of conflict and humanitarian crises have left Syria’s people struggling to meet their basic needs. Access to food is the most urgent need of the Syrian people. Repeated crises – the earthquake in 2023 and acute political instability in 2024 – have displaced millions. Displacement, conflicts and humanitarian crises made it difficult for nonprofits to get aid to those in need and have plunged a majority of Syrians into poverty. Despite serious obstacles, these five nonprofits are on the ground distributing aid to the Syrian people.

What to Know About Food Security in Syria

More than half of the people in Syria (12.9 million) are currently food insecure. Of those experiencing acute and ongoing hunger, pregnant women and children under 5 are the most at risk.

The food security situation is dynamic, with early indicators pointing to drought conditions in 2025. Unfortunately, this may deepen the hunger crisis.

Ongoing humanitarian crises make it difficult for nonprofit organizations in Syria to get aid to the people who need it most. The most recent crises are flash points against the backdrop of fourteen years of conflict.

The most recent crises are the February 2023 earthquake and the 2024 overthrow of the Assad regime. Now adding to the turmoil is the conflict in Lebanon that has created new displacement for people who had already fled from conflict back home in Syria, UNHCR reports.

Violet

A group of young people founded Violet in Syria in 2013 at the onset of the crisis in 2011. Violet’s Food Security and Livelihoods Program addresses the needs of the most vulnerable in Syria, “with a focus on those with special needs.” The Food Security and Livelihoods Program delivers food baskets, provides job training, support for Syrian farmers and agriculture and cash distribution to those in need.

Violet’s food baskets program provides families with food and supplies for infants ranging from milk and nutritional supplements to cribs. The Cash for Food program distributes cash assistance to displaced people so they can purchase food.

Syria Relief and Development

Syria Relief and Development is a nonprofit based in the United States that operates in Syria, Turkey and Jordan. The organization was founded in 2011 with a mission to “provide crisis humanitarian relief and plant the seeds of sustainable development for Syria.” Since its beginning, Syria Relief and Development has focused its attention on food security. This has been achieved by providing the Syrian people with food and basic necessities, such as Ramadan Food Kits. 

Takaful Al Sham

Founded in Turkey in 2013 to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Takaful Al Sham focuses on meeting the needs of children, youth and women. The organization is working to create food security in several ways. The Emergency Response, FS and Agriculture Program provides internally displaced Syrians with nutrition kits, cash, Ramadan baskets, food vouchers, fresh bread and nutritional supplements for women and children. Other aid includes services for farmers, installation of irrigation networks in local gardens and nutrition classes for parents.

World Vision

After the 2023 earthquake, World Vision worked with the WFP and the International Blue Crescent Foundation to launch programs to provide training, support and tools to Syrian farmers.

World Vision has served the needs of millions of people in Syria. Program activities include providing basic necessities, psychological support and education services.

People in Need

Founded in 1992 by “a group of Czech war correspondents who were no longer satisfied with merely relaying information about ongoing conflicts,” People in Need has become an integral part of the nonprofit network in Central Europe. People in Need is part of Alliance2015, a European nonprofit network.

In Syria, People in Need is supporting food security by funding education and support for entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.

Since the 2023 earthquake, People in Need has provided emergency aid by distributing food, repairing infrastructure necessary for food networks to function, and providing for the basic needs of internally displaced Syrians.

– Caitlyn Erwin

Caitlyn is based in Asheville, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Urgent Humanitarian Aid: UK Government Pledges £61 Million

Urgent Humanitarian AidIn December 2024, the U.K. government pledged £61 million for urgent humanitarian aid. The Development Office has designated the money for addressing humanitarian crises caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East, the tropical cyclone Chido and to aid internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cyclone Chido

The U.K. government designated up to £5 million to aid those that cyclone Chido in Mozambique affected. Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique in December 2024, with winds of more than 200 km/h an hour and 176 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, causing widespread destruction. Chido marked the beginning of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season.  According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Chido has been the worst cyclone to hit the region in about 90 years. High wind speeds, heavy rainfall and storm surges accompany cyclones, which leads to widespread damage and flooding. Chido’s destruction injured 768 people with more than 622,00 people affected by the cyclone.

The cyclone has destroyed more than 35,000 homes and affected more than 90,000 children in Cabo Delgado in Northern Mozambique, according to UNICEF. Along with homes, the cyclone severely damaged classrooms and health facilities. Cabo Delgado has seen seven years of brutal conflict, which displaced more than 1.3 million people, the majority of which were women and children, before Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in Mozambique. There are currently 4.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Mozambique, of which 3.4 million are children.

The U.K. aims to reach about 350,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance in Mozambique by providing immediate shelter, clean water and sanitation. Further, the £5 million designated for humanitarian relief in Mozambique aims to ensure that the country is better prepared for the rest of the 2024-2025 cyclone season by coordinating with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, according to the U.K. Government.

Bangladesh

The U.K. Government committed £5 million of humanitarian aid for Bangladesh to provide shelter, healthcare and clean water in the Rohingya refugee camps. The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority group residing in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, where they are not recognized by the state and denied citizenship. As of August 2024, about 1 million Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh after fleeing from prosecution in Myanmar. The U.K. government has given urgent humanitarian relief to the UNHCR, the IOM and UNICEF.

Somalia

The Development Office has designated another £5 million to support the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its efforts in Somalia to provide emergency assistance, basic health care, food and water. The ICRC has been operating in Somalia since 1977 and provides humanitarian relief to families in Somalia that are affected by years of armed conflict and climatic shocks.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Another £5 million will be given to the World Food Programme (WPF) to support its efforts in the DRC, where currently 25.6 million people are facing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity. The DRC faces one of the largest hunger crises in the world. Armed conflicts within the country have displaced a large part of the population and hunger continues to grow. The U.K.’s aid will deliver assistance to about 48,000 people and help address their immediate needs.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

Due to the ongoing food crisis in the Sahel region, the U.K. Government aid package designated up to £8 million to provide food assistance in partnership with the ICRC, which is providing humanitarian aid in the region due to ongoing droughts and soaring food prices, which have exacerbated food insecurity in the region, Currently more than 3 million people in Niger and 3 million people in Burkina Faso are facing emergency food insecurity.

Myanmar

The U.K. Government has allocated a further £11 million of aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The money will provide lifesaving treatments for malaria and provide access to lifesaving sexual health and maternal health treatments. Myanmar has a maternal mortality ratio of 282 compared to the Southeast Asian average rate of 140. This means that out of 100,000 live births, there are 282 related deaths. Most of these deaths are related to postpartum bleeding, unsafe abortion and sepsis, which with the right treatment and care are mostly preventable.

Middle East

The U.K. government dedicated £22 million of aid, the largest portion of the package, to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East, which came shortly after the Prime Minister allocated £13 million to UNRWA on December 11, 2024, supporting essential services for Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Later in December, the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary committed over £60 million to aid Syrians through various UN humanitarian funds and the U.K. Aid Fund for Northern Syria, according to the U.K. Government.

Addressing Humanitarian Crises

This urgent humanitarian aid package demonstrates the U.K. government’s continued commitment to addressing humanitarian crises worldwide through strategic partnerships with U.N. agencies and international organizations like the ICRC, WFP and UNICEF. The distribution of funds across multiple regions reflects a balanced approach to global humanitarian assistance, with particular emphasis on immediate crisis response in the Middle East, climate disaster relief in Mozambique, and addressing food insecurity in the Sahel region. However, this commitment operates within the context of the U.K.’s reduced overseas aid spending from 0.7% to 0.5% of GDP, raising questions about the scale of future humanitarian interventions despite the government’s evident willingness to respond to urgent global crises.

– Salome von Stolzmann

Salome is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Empowering Change: The Impact of USAID in Kazakhstan

USAID in KazakhstanKazakhstan, a nation rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, has undergone significant transformations since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Then, USAID began its partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan. Through various programs and initiatives, USAID has empowered changes across multiple sectors, fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for many Kazakhs. Today, Kazakhstan is an upper middle-income country that has emerged as a regional leader in Central Asia. This article is going to discuss four main factors about the impact of USAID in Kazakhstan.

Democracy and Governance

Kazakhstan possesses relatively strong state institutions; however, insufficient transparency and accountability undermine its attempts to promote good governance.  Also, another significant barrier to effective governance is the perceived lack of judicial independence, which affects the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and maintain the rule of law.

USAID in Kazakhstan supports the creation of a “civil society, access to information, strengthening citizen initiative groups and promoting human rights.” The agency also facilitates partnerships between civil society organizations and the Government of Kazakhstan to implement reforms that drive meaningful change in creating a better living environment. For example, the USAID is assisting the Ministry of Information and Social Development in “developing transparent and fair procedures for awarding and monitoring grants to local non-governmental organisations.”

USAID is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the adoption of an agreement between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the protection of rights of the migrant

Economic Growth and Trade

Since gaining independence in 1991, the economy of Kazakhstan has experienced significant growth, mainly due to the utilization of its vast oil and gas reserves. Thanks to robust economic growth, the national poverty rate plummeted from nearly 50% at the start of the century to just 2.7% in 2015. To combat inequality, Kazakhstan is committed to boosting the income share of the bottom 40% of its population from 22.8% to 27% of total income by 2025.

Nonetheless, the country faces various economic challenges stemming from its Soviet past, such as “weak trade links with other Central Asian nations and a cumbersome regulatory framework” that hampers business development. Also, there are notable inequalities between urban and rural areas, as well as among different regions.

The work of USAID in Kazakhstan aims to diversify its economy beyond the oil and gas sector, focusing on areas like transportation and logistics, horticulture, information technology, and tourism. Additionally, USAID works to identify and eliminate barriers to trade with Kazakhstan’s Central Asian neighbors, helping the country unlock its potential as a regional trade and investment hub.

Energy and Environment

USAID has been instrumental in helping Kazakhstan modernize its energy sector while prioritizing environmental protection. This includes enhancing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and attracting private investment.

Kazakhstan, a significant energy player, is transitioning to clean energy technologies. Despite its reliance on coal, which generates more than 80% of its electricity and accounts for 82% of its greenhouse gas emissions, the government recognizes the need for reform. Kazakhstan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 1990 levels by 2030, and at least 50% by 2050

USAID focuses on helping Kazakhstan and Central Asia diversify their energy sources with wind, solar, and hydropower. With USAID assistance, the Government of Kazakhstan added more than 1 Gigawatt of renewable energy projects through competitive auctions. The auctions made it possible to create competitive conditions, attract international investors, and significantly reduce renewable energy prices. This allows citizens to enjoy using clean energy with a lower cost.

Health Care

USAID programs in Kazakhstan aim to enhance access to essential services to prevent and control infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. Kazakhstan faces a significant challenge with drug-resistant tuberculosis, while HIV/AIDS continues to impact vulnerable groups, especially those who inject drugs. However, the corporation between USAID and the Kazakhstan government to test and adopt client-centred HIV strategies such as HIV self-testing and adopt policies to support people living with HIV such as multi-month dispensation of antiretroviral therapy.

Besides, the USAID participated in supporting Kazakhstan in combating the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of training, technical assistance to medical providers and the promotion of hygienic practices for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission.

The impact of USAID in Kazakhstan is profound and multifaceted. Through its commitment to empowering change, the agency has contributed to economic growth, improved education and health outcomes, promoted environmental sustainability, and strengthened democratic governance. As Kazakhstan continues to evolve on the global stage, the partnership with USAID remains a beacon of hope and progress, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with continued support and empowerment, Kazakhstan is poised to build a brighter future for all its citizens.

– Hoi Ieng Chao

Hoi is based in Macau and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Housing Ministry Addresses Lack of Affordable Housing in Oman

Affordable Housing in OmanAcross Oman, many struggle with unemployment (40% of the population), employer underpayment and limited economic diversity. As a result, countless low-income families in Oman need financial assistance. Without help, these issues often lead to the inability to afford basic necessities which results in issues such as learning poverty, currently impacting more than 40% of children in Oman.

Reason For More Affordable Housing

Oman is located in Southwest Asia on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Immigrants and expatriates make up approximately 46% of Oman’s population due to the region’s close proximity to numerous countries. Therefore, the country’s financial markets rely heavily on foreign investments.

As of May 2024, Oman’s capital market has seen a 19% increase in foreign investment. This growth is in response to additional policies favoring foreign investments, which the government hopes will decrease the public debt and encourage investments in essential services.

With the increase in foreign investments comes an increase in population. Consequently, Oman’s population is nine times larger than it was in 1964, previously sitting at just half a million people. As the population rises, so does the demand for housing and housing prices. This limits the number of available homes while also pricing out those who previously qualified for housing assistance. These factors directly contribute to the lack of affordable housing in Oman.

The lack of affordable housing in Oman is a longstanding issue and is the reason the Omani Government created Social Housing Policy in 1973 and, more recently, began a housing assistance program.

Steps Taken to Address Housing Insecurity

In 2020, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) began its social housing assistance program. The program’s goal is to improve the living standards of those with limited income by providing adequate housing. The program constructs housing units to support modern living, thereby providing essential tools to support these standards.

In 2022, the MHUP spent 35 million Omani Rial, approximately 90.5 million U.S. dollars, on the construction of affordable housing for Omani citizens. The following year, the MHUP spent 40 million Omani Rial and in 2024, it set aside 70 million Omani Rial for affordable housing efforts. From 2022 to 2024, the MHUP delivered 747 homes to Omani citizens and as of September 2024, there were 478 housing units under construction. The MHUP’s latest housing report also details the future construction of 109 housing units across Oman, along with efforts to ensure the equitable distribution of services.

Building Homes of Various Sizes

During this time, the MHUP also reconsidered how it takes diverse family makeups into account during construction. In the future, the MHUP intends to build homes of various sizes. This will allow the MHUP to better aid more families by more strategically distributing funding.

However, the Ministry’s social housing assistance program does more than construct homes. The MHUP also provides grants and loans. Those in need of affordable housing can then qualify for government financial assistance with the help of the MHUP so they can build or repair their homes.

The MHUP strives to address the lack of affordable housing in Oman through each of these components as a part of its program and represents the government’s goal of achieving a secure and successful future for all citizens.

– Nivea Walker

Nivea is based in Elon, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Poverty

Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Cycles of Poverty More than 10% of women worldwide are trapped in extreme poverty due to structural barriers such as inadequate education and vocational training, limited financial resources and prevailing patriarchal social structures that hinder their mobility out of poverty. Women’s Empowerment International (WE) is actively disrupting these cycles. WE funds small business loans, education, training and other strategies to alleviate poverty through partnerships with high-impact, nonprofit organizations. This support equips women with the necessary resources and tools to improve their livelihoods and enhance their lives.

WE Organization’s Focus

WE focus on regions where women are in dire need and lack adequate social support from states or governments. The organization carefully selects nonprofit partners to deliver tailored programs for women in need. These partners develop and run high-impact programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of women below the poverty line. The programs address key issues such as violence against women’s sustainability and ensure regular and responsive communication among all participants.

WE measure the progress of its programs using the ‘WISE: Women’s Impact Sustainability and Empowerment Project’ data metric. This tool evaluates improvements in financial literacy, shifts in provider roles, changes in decision-making and business sustainability to ensure that women are the primary beneficiaries. WE’s expansive reach includes impactful work in Guatemala, San Diego, Haiti, Honduras, Uganda and El Salvador. Each program is specifically tailored to the goals of the women in each locale and the resources available to maximize success.

Honduras

In Honduras, 70% of the population lives in poverty, with half of the population in some areas surviving on less than $1.25 per day. Rural illiteracy rates are as high as 40% and child malnutrition exceeds 60%. Residents of these areas, often isolated with no transportation or access to clean water, primarily rely on subsistence farming, logging and livestock raising for income. Since 2007, WE has collaborated with the Adelante Foundation to offer small business loans to 2,100 women in these impoverished rural communities. It also provides educational resources, achieving a loan repayment rate of 94.4%. Women receiving loans support each other as guarantors, creating solidarity groups that foster collective success. These entrepreneurs have launched ventures ranging from local stores and bicycle repair shops to greenhouses, using their profits to educate their children and reinvest in their communities.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, WE has formed a partnership with Multicolores. The organization assists women in creating sustainable sources of income independent of formal education or long-term external aid. Based in rural villages, Multicolores supports Indigenous Mayan women through the ‘Stitching New Narratives’ program, which enhances their traditional stitching and design skills. This initiative not only celebrates their indigenous heritage but also enables them to produce garments that foster economic prosperity, helping to elevate them from poverty. The program supports these artists in their creative and economic development, which in turn improves their living conditions, health, well-being, and social mobility.

Uganda

Uganda has been severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, which has left many children orphaned. Thousands of grandmothers have become primary caregivers, often supporting up to six children single-handedly. In 2024, WE partnered with the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Foundation to launch the Nyaka Granny Microfinance Project. This initiative provides loans to grandmothers to start small businesses, generating income to support their families. More than 7,000 grandmothers have benefited from the program, engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, handicrafts, produce cultivation and crop sales. By earning an income, these grandmothers can improve their living conditions. Additionally, they can ensure their grandchildren receive an education, thus breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women across generations.

Driving Change

Women’s Empowerment International have made incredible strides in empowering women in areas of high poverty. Its programs enable women to develop the tools and infrastructure needed for sustainable economic progression. Furthermore, by providing initial assistance and resources, the organization allows women to drive their success rather than remaining dependent on external aid.

– Rebecca Barry

Rebecca is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Egypt: Balancing Stability and Reform

Foreign Aid to EgyptSince the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, Egypt has faced significant economic and political challenges. Foreign aid to Egypt, primarily directed for economic support and military financing, is a significant element of the country’s international relations and development strategy, with the state being one of the largest recipients of foreign aid globally.

Egypt’s economic situation is deteriorating in the current geopolitical climate, marked by the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, and its expansion into other Middle Eastern and North African countries, compounded by political instability in Libya, the civil war in Sudan and President El-Sisi’s numerous infrastructure developments. As the country contends with inflation, debt and instability in neighboring nations, foreign aid remains critical to its economic and strategic stability.

Foreign Aid from the United States

Since 1946, the United States has provided around $85 billion in foreign aid to Egypt, primarily targeting military and strategic initiatives, with Egypt the second-largest recipient of military funding globally.

This aid aims to modernize Egypt’s military, strengthen regional security and ensure access to the Suez Canal. U.S. foreign aid has been conditioned based on fulfilling human rights criteria in attempts to boost regional stability and safety. However, in September 2024, the Biden administration granted Egypt the full $1.3 billion aid package, waiving democratic and human rights conditions. This decision drew criticism from activists who argued it undermined efforts to hold Egypt accountable for human rights violations, but the U.S. government emphasized Egypt’s key role in mediating the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

USAID programs offer a solution by channeling funds into health, education and infrastructure, with more than $30 billion allocated to development projects since 2010. USAID has built more than 2,000 schools, improved water access for millions and eliminated polio. Expanding such initiatives can mitigate the risks of mismanagement.  With Egypt’s role in regional geopolitics becoming increasingly complex, U.S. foreign aid highlights Egypt’s importance as a regional stabilizer and a critical ally in countering conflict in the Middle East and North Africa.

Foreign Aid from the European Union

The European Union (EU) is a major provider of economic aid to Egypt, focusing on governance, economic sustainability and migration management. Earlier this year, the EU launched a new strategic partnership with Egypt, including an aid package of €7.4 billion to reinforce stability. This is one of the most expensive financial aid deals the EU has ever partaken in and emphasizes the EU-Egypt partnership based on peace and security and a commitment to human rights, democracy and improved governance.

The EU’s funding also prioritizes renewable energy, agricultural development and socio-economic programs. For example, the EU-Egypt Renewable Energy Project has installed solar and wind farms in desert regions, generating clean energy and providing electricity to millions of households.

The IMF and the World Bank

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank support Egypt through loans and technical assistance tied to economic reforms and structural adjustment programs. Their involvement aims to stabilize Egypt’s economy while addressing long-term development challenges. IMF investments saw a $3 billion loan in 2022 to boost growth after external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising food prices caused by the war in Ukraine. The program prioritized reducing public debt, enhancing social protection and promoting private-sector growth.

The World Bank complements the IMF’s approach by funding projects aimed at poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and social protection. World Bank initiatives have improved access to clean water and sanitation, developed renewable energy sources and focused on vulnerable groups. By balancing reform measures with expanded social protections, the IMF and World Bank can help Egypt achieve sustainable economic growth without disproportionately impacting its vulnerable populations.

A Critical Recipient

Egypt remains a critical recipient of foreign aid, balancing its role as a stabilizing force in the region with ongoing domestic challenges. While its diplomatic and humanitarian contributions, especially in Gaza, underscore its importance, concerns over human rights and economic instability highlight the complexities of international assistance. While U.S. military aid ensures regional stability, European, Gulf and institutional support fosters long-term development. Collaborative solutions, like linking governance reform to aid and expanding social safety nets, could transform foreign assistance into a catalyst for sustainable development in Egypt.

– Isobel Hurst

Isobel is based in Graz, Austria and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash