Archive for category: Foreign Aid

Foreign aid coverage and information.

, , , , , ,

A Recent History of British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

British Development Aid in Sierra LeoneThe British government plans to cut its Official Development Aid (ODA) budget from 0.5% of the country’s GDP to 0.3% by 2027. This follows cuts in 2021, when the government reduced ODA spending from 0.7% of GDP, a figure once considered the standard for G7 countries. British development aid has had a significant impact in many parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Currently, the only regions the British government has confirmed will continue to receive aid are those affected by current humanitarian crises: Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. This means it is unclear whether countries like Sierra Leone, whose health care, water provision and education access have benefited enormously from British development aid, will continue to receive sufficient support. The following explores some of the most notable successes of British development aid in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone in Context

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 185th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index. About 25% of its 8.8 million people live in extreme poverty and its GDP per capita is $874.

A British colony until 1961, Sierra Leone’s recent history has been defined by crises. A civil war gripped the country between 1991 and 2002, killing between 50,000 and 200,000 people and precipitating long-term consequences such as dysfunctional infrastructure and generational trauma. The country was at the centre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and in 2017, mudslides killed hundreds. 

Despite the shocking statistics, many outcomes in Sierra Leone have been improving significantly. In the last decade, life expectancy has increased by 7 years, while the death rate of children under 5 has fallen by roughly a quarter.

British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

  • The Freetown WASH Consortium. Established in 2009, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme channelled British aid into constructing water storage facilities and public latrines, improving drainage systems and training health care workers in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. By 2013, more than 144,000 people had gained access to improved water supplies and at least 33,000 had access to better sanitation facilities. The program also helped reduce the spread of cholera and malaria.
  • Secondary Education Improvement Program. Known in the local Krio language as “Leh Wi Lan”, the Secondary Education Improvement Programme took off in May 2016 with an investment of £62.5 million to improve the learning conditions and attendance of secondary schools. By the programme’s closure in 2023, the number of girls and boys attending secondary school had more than doubled.
  • Rehabilitation of Freetown’s Water Supply System. 2016 was an important year for British development aid in Sierra Leone, coming two years after the initial West African Ebola outbreak had brought the country to a standstill. June saw the investment of £38 million into rehabilitating Freetown’s water supply system, creating new pipe networks and reducing leakage to support 120,000 people’s access to clean water.
  • Saving Lives in Sierra Leone. Perhaps the most wide-reaching and well-documented example of British development aid in Sierra Leone, the £170 million Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme improved the accessibility, availability and quality of child and maternal health services across the country. Administered in conjunction with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Saving Lives provided family planning for more than 670,000 women, as well as widespread access to free contraceptives and health care drugs. Health care facilities improved, staff received training and essential medicines became more readily available. Between 2016 and 2019, these measures helped save the lives of almost 25,000 children and more than 3,000 mothers. The Saving Lives program also contributed to the substantial decline in Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate, which decreased by 74% between 2000 and 2020.

Emergency Aid for Mudslide Victims 

Following the devastating mudslides of 2017, the British government delivered a £5 million humanitarian response package that enabled UNICEF to provide essential medicines and clean water for 5,000 people and an Oxfam-led group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide clean water and sanitation for 3,000 people. The U.K.-based charity Street Child provided bedding and clothing for an additional 3,000 children. The package also included supplies for Sierra Leone’s government, such as generators and tents.

Looking Ahead

The benefits of British development aid in Sierra Leone have been widespread, felt in the country’s education, health care and water services. As Sierra Leone continues to recover from past crises and build toward long-term development, sustained international support could help ensure that the country does not lose this progress and that future generations can thrive.

– Joseph Webb

Joseph is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

USAID in Myanmar

USAID in MyanmarMyanmar, a country in military stronghold turmoil, has been struggling for liberation and democracy amid ethnic disputes and insurgencies ever since 1948. Since 1962, the Burma Socialist Programme has ruled the nation under a totalitarian dictatorship. Rising poverty and social instability led to numerous college-student-led protests up until 1988, often referred to as the People Power Uprising, in efforts to promote democracy and stop the socialist agenda Ne Win and his government were developing.

Renewed Military Control and Civil War

The protests ended with a coup d’état, resulting in the military junta ousting Ne Win and ruling the nation. The military junta later held a general election in 1990, where national icon Aung San Suu Kyi and her party dominated, partly due to their pro-democracy agenda. However, the military leadership would not recognize Kyi’s party’s win and continued to rule the government. Kyi was put under house arrest and, in 2021, when the Tatmadaw military organization came to power following another coup d’état, they imprisoned her. Kyi was a prominent leader in advocating for Myanmar’s democracy in the 2010s, where the Burmese nation seemed to bend toward justice with the democratic elections of Htin Kyaw and Win Myint.

It was only until the coup d’état in 2021 that the population lost all hope of continuous liberation, as the Tatmadaw seized Nay Pyi Taw. From there, a full-on civil war broke out between the National Unity Government (NUG)–the democratic house which was ousted–and the State Administrative Council–the ruling military junta as of 2025, who ousted the NUG. The war is still ongoing, having recorded more than 75,000 deaths.

USAID in Myanmar

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was a strong proponent in helping alleviate social, economic and political turmoil in Myanmar, amid the numerous insurgencies and coups. USAID gave Myanmar approximately $2 million in 2001, a number that grew to more than $175 million annually by 2016. Following the 2021 coup, USAID, under the Biden administration, increased spending by more than 30%. A significant portion of the donations funded food, assistance and humanitarian aid. In 2025, that aid abruptly stopped.

Widespread Damage Across Myanmar

In March of 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake rattled Myanmar and neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. The earthquake affected 15 million Burmese people and estimates suggest that between 4,500 to 5,500 people have died, and more than 11,000 were injured, making it the deadliest earthquake in the country’s history. Power outages and interruptions to phone service and internet access affected more than half the population across the country. At least 120,000 homes were damaged, and numerous mosques and government buildings collapsed.

To help with relief efforts, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China and Italy sent aid worth millions of dollars—China alone sent more than $150 million. The United States, which had just pulled out its USAID employees, sent only $2 million.

The Way Forward

It could take a while for Myanmar to recover from the impact of the earthquake. However, there are many organizations stationed in Myanmar aiming to shorten the gender gap, expand food security and housing affordability and divert the economy away from reliance and this offers hope for the future.

– Jackson Mailer

Jackson is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Gavi Board’s New Plan for Improving Global Health

The Gavi Board’s New PlanThe board for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced adjustments to its five-year plan (2026-2030) following financial withdrawals from some of its donors. The Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health takes into account its limited resources, but also introduces the prospect of new, life-changing projects.

The Impact of Gavi

In the last 25 years, Gavi has reduced child mortality by half. This has been made possible by providing children with access to life-saving vaccines, which is especially important for underserved countries. For instance, regions in West Africa still experience deadly outbreaks of diseases like meningitis, a disease which is extremely rare in the U.S. Developing nations are unable to afford the same vaccination access as countries like the U.S. or the U.K. Gavi aims to help finance this and allow children to be saved from preventable diseases.

Gavi has also helped many countries become financially independent. Nineteen countries that Gavi once supported have now become faithful donors. Not only has the organization provided vaccines for millions, but it has also helped whole countries escape poverty.

The Trump Administration’s Foreign Aid Review

Historically, the U.S. government has been one of Gavi’s largest donors, making up 13% of its total funding. However, this has all changed after the Trump administration’s foreign aid review earlier this year. The administration has announced that its Fiscal Year 2026 budget will not provide funding for Gavi.

Gavi has provided catastrophic estimates that outline what the lack of U.S. funding could mean for the world. Its statistics show that more than 1.2 million children will lose their lives because they will not have access to vaccinations. This is because the help that Gavi provides is only made possible through the support of other countries and organizations. These changes in funding are what inspired the Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health.

Support From the UK

Like the U.S., the U.K. has been a long supporter of Gavi. However, while the U.S. is withdrawing its support, the U.K. is pledging more than $1.5 billion to Gavi. This will provide vaccination access to millions of children over the next five years.

The U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy was quoted as saying: “Our ongoing partnership with Gavi will give millions of children a better start, save lives and protect us all from the spread of deadly diseases.” This pledge will also have a positive impact on the U.K. Working with health organizations across the globe provides jobs for thousands of people within the U.K.

Additionally, by funding Gavi, there is better security for U.K. citizens. Funding research and vaccine development reduces the likelihood of deadly diseases reaching the U.K. This guarantees less stress on U.K. health workers and hospitals.

The Future of Gavi (2026-2030)

The Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health has factored in its limited financial resources. Due to the Trump administration, as well as other donors who have withdrawn their support, Gavi is now operating with $3 billion less than it anticipated for the next five-year period. As a result of these budget cuts, Gavi will be giving less support to immunization programs. Yet, the organization is continuing to ask for more funding from potential donors, so hopefully, this can change in the future.

Despite the financial challenges Gavi is currently facing, the board has announced the creation of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) maternal vaccine program. The details of this program aren’t yet released. However, the organization has stated that it will work to eradicate one of the key causes of pneumonia in children aged less than 5. The board is also now starting its funding for the development of an Mpox emergency vaccine stockpile.

In the case of an emergency outbreak, vaccines would be provided quickly to the areas affected. This is an essential step in working to end the current Mpox epidemic in Africa. Gavi is now working to provide children across the globe with access to vaccines through its first health system strategy. This strategy will create unique programs for a variety of countries with a simpler funding process. Primary health care will be a large focus of this operation.

New funding policies have been implemented as part of the Gavi Board’s latest plan for improving global health. The board has requested that countries participating in its vaccination programs make greater financial contributions. Additionally, an amended Health Systems and Immunization Strengthening (HSIS) policy will be introduced in 2026. This policy will help countries finance their vaccine programs effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, the Gavi Board’s new plan for improving global health overcomes the obstacles the Trump administration has put in place. Gavi is still managing to introduce lifesaving programs despite its limited resources. The organization is also hopeful that if other donors decide to re-commit to being sponsors, it will achieve even greater success in protecting the globe against deadly diseases.

– Katie Gray

Katie is based in Glasgow, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

USAID Programs in Armenia: Light in the Battle Against Poverty

USAID Programs in ArmeniaThe United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programs in Armenia offer compelling examples of international collaboration producing visible results. There is genuine hope that these initiatives will help Armenia move closer to escaping poverty.

USAID programs in Armenia have evolved over the course of almost 30 years, moving from providing immediate humanitarian assistance to allowing inclusive, long-term development plans. At this point, USAID funds about 32 projects in all 10 Armenian regions, improving social services, economic opportunity and democratic institutions.

The Community Level Access to Social Services Project

One notable work is the Community Level Access to Social Services (CLASS) project. CLASS assists community social service providers in establishing accessible, inclusive support networks, especially for families facing financial difficulties and children with disabilities. These services help people achieve long-term stability and meet their immediate needs by connecting them to health care, education and employment opportunities.

The program fights poverty at its source while preserving each person’s dignity by promoting inclusive growth, strengthening community resilience and investing in sustainable local capacity for future generations.

The Armenia Support Initiative

USAID assisted the Armenian government during the 2023 humanitarian crisis brought on by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It provided $8.5 million to address housing needs and psychosocial support for displaced persons and refugees. These efforts safeguarded human welfare during the emergency by promptly ensuring that vulnerable populations received food, housing, medical assistance and emotional care. Beyond immediate relief, the aid supported long-term recovery by strengthening local service providers and reinforcing community resilience against future crises.

Another essential component of USAID’s work in Armenia is economic development. The organization has set lofty objectives to increase agricultural productivity, develop clean energy infrastructure and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship in its 2020–2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The goal of USAID programs in Armenia is to lessen rural poverty and foster economic resilience by assisting industries that generate long-term jobs and income growth. The strategy strengthens Armenia’s integration into global markets, supports small businesses and builds sustainable pathways for inclusive economic opportunity.

Rather than relying on short-term aid, USAID programs in Armenia emphasize sustainable solutions driven by local partnerships. One community at a time, this people-first strategy enables Armenians to create better futures.

Conclusion

USAID programs in Armenia are changing lives through practical, empowering and locally based interventions. From improving social services to supporting displaced populations and strengthening economic opportunities, these programs embody the best of what international development can be. 

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

How Security Diplomacy Is Replacing Development Assistance

Security DiplomacyForeign aid has been essential for decades in international development, funding education, health care and infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. In recent years, governments and organizations have increasingly redirected aid spending toward strategic objectives, emphasizing security, border control and military collaboration. This new trend, sometimes called “security diplomacy,” raises questions about the changing dynamics of foreign assistance and its lasting impact on poverty alleviation.

Assistance from countries such as the U.S., Italy and European Union (EU) members is increasingly allocated to military training efforts, anti-migration enforcement and surveillance technologies, rather than financing educational institutions or hospital facilities. Case studies from Africa and the Mediterranean demonstrate the effects of this transition on recipient states and the challenges it presents to traditional development objectives. This shift exemplifies how security diplomacy and foreign aid are increasingly intertwined in global policy.

Coastal Control Over Community Needs: Italy’s Aid to Libya

In recent years, Italy has invested millions in foreign aid to bolster Libya’s coast guard and border control initiatives, particularly to curtail migration across the Mediterranean. This approach, financed via bilateral agreements and EU-supported frameworks, has faced criticism for prioritizing security containment above sustainable development assistance in North Africa.

According to a 2023 study, Italy allocated at least $37.5 million between 2017 and 2022. This funding was part of a broader strategy of security diplomacy and foreign aid, supporting patrol boats, training and equipment for the Libyan Coast Guard. The principal objective has been to intercept migrant vessels before their arrival in European seas and to repatriate the individuals on board to detention facilities in Libya.

This strategy, ostensibly humanitarian to avert perilous maritime journeys, has faced extensive criticism for facilitating human rights violations. United Nations (U.N.) and human rights groups have reported instances of arbitrary incarceration, torture and forced labor in Libyan detention institutions, to which many returnees are sent. Critics contend that by emphasizing border control, Italy and the EU have neglected investment in Libya’s faltering education and health care systems. These sectors have declined owing to persistent violence and insufficient finance. The financing change establishes a precedent for using assistance as a mechanism for migratory deterrent, rather than for human development.

The Sahel: Development Deferred in the Name of Stability

The EU has allocated billions to the Sahel via the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF), primarily focused on poverty alleviation and migration control. By the conclusion of 2020, the EUTF had mobilized more than $4.8 billion, with 46% of the capital allocated to resilience and economic opportunity. Approximately 31% was explicitly designated for migration management and border control within the Sahel and Lake Chad framework, highlighting the EU’s increasing use of security diplomacy and foreign aid.

Audits conducted by the European Court of Auditors and academics at SWP Berlin have highlighted issues over the Fund’s ambiguous development aims. It indicates that its design increasingly caters to EU migration interests, implying a shift from conventional poverty alleviation to security-oriented measures. Similarly, analyses by think tanks such as the Foundation for European Progressive Studies suggest that mechanisms like the EUTF and the External Investment Plan reflect a shift in EU funding priorities.

Rather than focusing solely on development, these tools now also serve goals related to policing, border security and migration diplomacy. This marks a significant evolution in the EU’s “security–migration–development nexus” in the Sahel. Civil society organizations, like Oxfam and Euractiv, have emphasized the need to reallocate education, employment and health care assistance. They contend that emphasizing border control and stabilization may exacerbate instability rather than mitigate it.

Donor Alternatives That Prioritize Development

Certain donor initiatives, including those spearheaded by USAID, have persistently prioritized locally driven development, especially in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. The USAID Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced (RISE) program prioritizes enduring outcomes like education, food security and conflict prevention by collaborating directly with people instead of relying on security intermediaries.

Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have developed frameworks. These are focused on human security, including education, health, economic stability and protection from violence. These paradigms establish development as fundamental to security, rather than as a deterrence mechanism.

Focus on Root Causes: Re-Centering Aid on Human Development

Prominent international institutions, such as the OECD, the World Bank and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), continually underscore the need to address the fundamental causes of instability for sustainable development and migratory governance. The fundamental reasons are poverty, social marginalization, shaky governance, economic instability and environmental shocks.

The OECD asserts that successful development aid must promote inclusive economic growth, education, gender equality, health care and access to social safety systems. These objectives transcend mere humanitarianism; they represent strategic investments in enduring resilience. A global analysis by the World Bank highlights that improving equal access to employment and education is key to reducing migration driven by hardship. This is especially true for adolescents in precarious environments, where limited opportunities often make migration appear to be the only viable path forward.

IOM emphasizes that an exclusive emphasis on border control neglects intricate realities: most migration is internal or regional and is propelled by structural development disparities. Investments in local governance, labor markets and climate resilience might initially reduce the need for irregular migration.

Conclusion

As countries increasingly allocate development financing to border security and migration control, the fundamental purpose of foreign assistance is jeopardized. Across institutions, communities and advocacy networks, there is an increasing acknowledgement that human development, rather than deterrence, is the best sustainable approach to world stability.

– Ray Bechara

Ray is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Spanish Foreign Aid Grows Amid European Budget Cuts

Spanish Foreign Aid Grows Amid European Budget CutsWhile top contributing Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries have been slashing funding, Spain is one of three countries committing to increasing foreign aid expenditures. After more than 20 years of international net growth, total Overseas Development Spending (ODA) by the OECD Assistance Committee (DAC) dropped by 9% in 2024 and could drop another 9% to 17% in 2025. Meanwhile, Spanish foreign aid funding increased by 12% in 2024; since 2021, the budget for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has more than doubled.

Spanish Foreign Aid: Then and Now

Spain established its ODA fund in 1976.  As a leading donor, reaching the United Nations’ (U.N.) target for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2015 was the expectation. To reach this goal, affluent countries must allocate 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) to foreign aid spending, though few have done so. However, an economic crisis spanning from 2008 to 2011 saw cuts to ODA spending, with the contribution falling from 0.46% of GNI in 2010 to 0.12% in 2015. Besides a 2016 spike to 0.43%, Spain has since experienced slow and steady growth, currently contributing 0.24% of its GNI. As of 2024, Spain ranks as the 12th largest DAC donor out of 32 in terms of net financial contribution. 

While Spanish foreign aid is far from meeting the 0.7% target, the country has voiced intentions to continue increasing ODA funding with specific policy initiatives outlined in the 2024-2027 Spanish Cooperation Master Plan for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity. The Master Plan addresses the need for cross-cultural dialogue to ensure contextually appropriate efforts, with primary focuses including water and sanitation, health accessibility and food security. 

Triangular Partnership

An avid promoter of multilateral cooperation, Spain’s plan advocates for Triangular Partnership. This involves an actor looking for support to address a development issue, an experienced partner to lend knowledge and an institution providing financial support. The concept offers that countries facing poverty have important stories to tell and no country is too rich to learn from them. Additionally, in 2023, Spain passed the Law on Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity, legally binding SDG commitments, including budgeting 0.7% of the national GNI toward foreign aid. Approved across all political bodies in the Congress of Deputies, it implements a statute improving conditions for aid workers and outlines the need for reform in the AECID, subsidy legislation and financial cooperation.

International Conference on Financing for Development

Besides monetary contributions, Spanish foreign aid takes an active role in international collaboration. A recent example is its hosting of the 2025 Financing for Development Conference in Seville. The fourth of its kind since 2002, the Financing for Development conference addresses the relationship between the movement of finances and societal priorities, ensuring fiscal policy coordination. The primary focus was on the importance of multilateral financial cooperation to reach the SDGs. Actionable areas outlined in the official document include international development cooperation and development effectiveness international financial architecture and systemic issues.

Moving Forward

In essence, Spanish foreign aid bodies are reaffirming their commitment to reaching the 0.7% GNI contributions to ODA efforts despite foreign aid budget cuts trending across Europe. Official reports include acknowledgements of the legally binding nature of previous and ongoing agreements and specifically promote the importance of multilateral cooperation for reaching these goals across all DAC countries. 

– Emily Galán

Emily is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

USAID Programs in Côte d’Ivoire

USAID Programs in Côte d'IvoireFrom its establishment in 1961, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been at the forefront of civilian aid and assistance for developing countries. USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire have increased health, peace, education, political stability and gender inclusivity. But, the nation still has many major problems, from malaria incidence to domestic tranquility, to overcome with the help of USAID. Since the agency’s dissolution, data and documents about its work have become increasingly scarce.

Health Initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has many health issues. Malaria and maternal mortality are specific challenges to the country’s health security. USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire are focusing on its health security by tackling these and other problems such as HIV/AIDS and child health. USAID training and education initiatives have rapidly increased the learning and adaptation of medical practices, even while the country spends just 3.13% of its GDP on health care. This has led to a more resilient and adept health care system which is seeing better performance every year.

Two Food for Progress USAID programs began that increase food security for the country by processing crops locally instead of exporting raw crops to be processed. This incentivizes more regional trade and partnerships that unify the economic activities of the regions.

Promoting Peace & Education Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is still healing its wounds from the Second Ivorian Civil War that began with post-election conflict and ended in 2011, which resulted in a UN/French/Ouattara victory (Ouattara being the current illegitimate president’s opposition leader). The U.S. Secretary has recently provided more than $45 million “to help Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbors prevent conflict and promote stability in the face of regional threats.” The U.S. has recently been successful in laxing tensions in the Coastal West Africa region and has provided nearly $300 million in assistance to accomplish such.

The new Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact with the Côte d’Ivoire, valued at $536.7 million, has two major parts:

  1. Accelerate transportation projects aimed at stimulating the country’s short-term economic growth and employment.
  2. Fund educational initiatives to support projects and programs for the youth of the country.

In the education sector, Côte d’Ivoire has successfully brought its primary school enrollment to 102% of the gross population considered of age to be going to primary school. This figure is up from 55% in 1970. The U.S. embassy in Abidjan also offers educational programs for the nation to advance their studies in the U.S. or abroad, including Fulbright Fellowships, Mandela-Washington Fellowship and EducationUSA.

Political Transition & Inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire

The U.S. is strengthening democracy and governance in Côte d’Ivoire through institution building. Politically, there is a major emphasis on greater inclusion of women and youth as these historically marginalized groups will be playing a larger role as the country further develops. Protecting and promoting their rights concurrently increases the country’s political stability and security.

USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire were actively enabling the $14.2 million Political Transition and Inclusion program, whose goal is to support “national and local government efforts to be more inclusive of citizens’ democratic ambitions, and responsive to their needs and concerns.” This program specifically identified the disconnect between the government and citizens being the most significant challenge the country faces. No current data or documents could be found about the program’s current performance. Beyond this and other USAID initiatives, many more projects exist that incentivize community resilience, modernizing the justice system, and free and fair elections.

Final Thoughts

Côte d’Ivoire has made significant developmental progress, specifically within health care and domestic stability. Whether USAID programs in Côte d’Ivoire make a lasting impact will be seen in the 2025 October elections and future equity and economic metrics.

– Aedan Bingham

Aedan is based in Worcester, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

USAID in Ghana: Cuts Could Undermine Progress

USAID in GhanaGhana is entering a critical crossroads. What began as a sudden freeze on U.S. foreign assistance has halted some of the country’s most vulnerable development areas, including health, education, agriculture and governance. With a projected $156 million funding gap, Ghana’s hard-won progress is in jeopardy.

USAID in Ghana

Until recently, USAID contributed about $150 million per year to Ghana. The organization funded efforts in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS and malaria treatment, education accountability and climate-smart agriculture programs through Feed the Future and other initiatives. Other key programs, such as the Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES), have been suspended, putting the quality of education and support systems for thousands of students at risk.

The Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING II) Systems Strengthening Activity, a $21.9 million initiative being implemented (2022 to 2027), is one of the most severely impacted programs. This initiative aimed to improve nutrition, strengthen economic resilience and improve local governance systems in northern Ghana. It collaborated with 17 district assemblies to enhance health, education and social protection services delivery. Undoubtedly, the USAID has been a critical partner to Ghana for many years, enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians with these funds.

Widespread Effects Across Sectors

In Ghana’s fisheries sector, USAID-backed plans for the first Marine Protected Area were abruptly canceled. The cancellation imperiled local economies dependent on small pelagic fish like sardines, anchovies and mackerel, which make up about 60% of local fish landings and serve as a primary protein source for millions.

In agriculture, programs that provided seed, training, climate-smart methods and agribusiness support to rural farmers have stopped, jeopardizing food security in regions already suffering from poverty and climate shocks.

Governance initiatives such as the Performance Accountability Activity (PAA) have also been paused, weakening transparency and citizen participation at the district level. While Ghana’s “Ghana Beyond Aid” agenda gains momentum, the sudden withdrawal of U.S. support highlights the difficulty of fulfilling development goals in fragile systems dependent on international partnership.

Local and Multilateral Allies Step In

John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has ordered urgent action. He has prompted the government to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy, raising GH¢4.2 billion ($300 million) to fill the USAID funding gap in health services. Some local and multilateral organizations have also stepped in to mitigate the impact. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and SEND Ghana have emerged as critical lifelines during this transition, leveraging financial power and policy advocacy.

In late 2023, the African Development Fund, the concessional arm of the AfDB, approved a $102.6 million budget support grant to Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. The funding stabilized public finances and supported critical health, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. Beyond emergency support, AfDB maintains an active project portfolio worth more than $800 million, financing 23 programs nationwide. By 2025, AfDB had committed to deepening investment in Ghana’s transport systems, private sector innovation and cybersecurity infrastructure, signaling a long-term vision beyond stopgap relief.

Meanwhile, SEND Ghana, a local nonprofit focusing on health equity and budget advocacy, has pressured Parliament to make pro-poor spending a national priority. SEND Ghana calls for the transparent use of revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy. It is pushing for those funds to plug gaps in maternal health, school feeding and public education left behind by USAID’s departure. By issuing regular policy briefs and engaging directly with lawmakers, SEND ensures the country’s most vulnerable citizens don’t fall through the cracks during this funding transition.

SEND Ghana applauded the government for uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and allocating about $8.8 million to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in the 2025 budget. The organization described it as a significant step toward sustainable health care financing. It also viewed it as progress toward transparent, inclusive and accountable governance.

Final Remarks

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that halting foreign aid weakens U.S. geopolitical influence and undercuts global security efforts. Foreign assistance isn’t charity, it’s strategic infrastructure.

– Dela Michel

Dela is based in Rockville, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

USAID Programs in Albania 2025

USAID Programs in Albania 2025In January 2025, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) experienced a temporary freeze of most of its funding programs going to foreign countries. This temporary freeze allowed officials to re-evaluate some programs and revise funds distribution for more efficiency.

For USAID programs in Albania, statistics show that most funding supported peace and security efforts. To put it into perspective, out of the $21 million that USAID provided Albania in 2020, $16 million was for strengthening national defense, $4 million was for improving the governing democracy system and about $200 thousand was directed at economic growth. While part of this funding responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, these three areas have remained the primary focus of USAID programs in Albania.

USAID Compete SëBashku

As of 2025, Albania continues to receive funding from USAID, with several projects still up and running. Most USAID programs in Albania focus on the country’s economic growth, aiding the country’s democracy and supplying resources to help alleviate poverty. USAID Compete SëBashku works to bolster Albania’s economic functions. The program works to create more opportunities for businesses to start and grow, creating more jobs for underprivileged citizens and strengthening both the buyer and supplier networks in Albania. The program, launched in 2024, is in coordination with the European Union (EU) as well and has received $12 million from the U.S. alone to help bolster the agrifood system.

The CIDR in Albania

There has also been much work on improving cybersecurity; one of the USAID programs in Albania is the Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR). A large-scale program operating in multiple European countries that USAID supports with funding. The plan is to conclude the program in 2026 by reaching the aim of strengthening the digitized use of government for Albania and the private sectors, making them much more resilient to cyber attacks or breaches of digital security. As Albania’s economy and business opportunities grow, strengthening cybersecurity can potentially ensure the safety of transactions and deals, while also assuring citizens’ personal lives.

Another project scheduled to conclude in 2026 is Improving Community Resilience (ICR). This program primarily targets neglected citizens and larger communities susceptible to poverty or strife. Furthermore, it involves providing media engagement in areas that don’t normally have it, other protection programs for women and young girls and encouraging an engaging community that lends a helping hand. The ICR supports the excluded, discriminated, conflicted and abused citizen. The program works to bring justice, health care, education and social protection to these individuals through the charitable actions of other citizens in social care services. 

Looking Ahead

USAID programs in Albania remain active, supporting long-term development through targeted efforts in governance, security and economic growth.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Successes and the Future of Foreign Aid to the Philippines

Foreign Aid to the PhilippinesWith the current dismantling of U.S. foreign aid programs, it is worth taking a closer look at what foreign aid has accomplished in developing countries so far. The Philippines is an excellent example. Since the 2000s, the country has seen rapid economic growth. With improvements to infrastructure and policy, progress is occurring. In 2023, the GINI index fell below the threshold for high inequality. Still, roughly one in five people live in poverty. Factors such as unequal opportunity, gendered social norms and oligarchic control over agricultural practices all contribute to sustained poverty. The Philippine government has continued fighting against poverty, with the world’s fourth largest conditional cash transfer program—the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program—leading to an approximate poverty reduction of 1.4% per year.

Recent Foreign Aid to the Philippines

With progress continuing along its slow and steady path, new challenges create new opportunities for the world to lend a hand. In recent years, foreign aid to the Philippines has fostered a number of positive outcomes in the areas of civil structure, health programs and disaster relief to name a few.

  • Bangsamoro: The Bangsamoro is an autonomous territory in the Philippines that the Moro people primarily inhabit. It is the only Muslim-majority territory in the Philippines. After being marginalized and dispossessed of lands for years, war broke out between liberation groups and the Philippine army, claiming more than 120,000 lives</a>. Autonomy has since been granted as of 1996, and the peace process has been ongoing ever since. Today, Bangsamoro is being rebuilt with the help of civil society organizations and foreign aid. The United States, through USAID, has funded Forward Bangsamoro for the last 6 years, focusing on the enhancement of local governance. Thanks to this and other foreign aid to the Philippines, the territory’s first democratic election will take place in October 2025.
  • HIV: Although the Asia Pacific Region has seen a reduction in HIV infections in the last decade, infections in the Philippines are rising quickly. Since 2010, there has been a 418% increase in HIV infections, and a 538% increase in AIDS-related deaths. With an ambitious goal of eliminating AIDS-related deaths by 2030, the Philippine government has partnered with others to address the crisis. In 2020, USAID committed $15.5 million to the government’s HIV/AIDS program. The epidemic is ongoing, but progress is occurring. Through pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs, condoms, anti-retroviral therapy medications and educational material, USAID has saved countless lives.
  • Natural Disasters: The Philippines experience on average 20 tropical cyclones each year. The country is also located on the Pacific ring of fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. When these natural disasters take place, displacement and resource strain follow. Since 1996, the EU has funded more than €170 million to the Philippines. Indeed, more than €100 million of that has gone to disaster relief. In October 2024, when Tropical Storm Kristine affected approximately 7 million people in the Philippines, foreign aid was quick to follow with programs like USAID providing $5 million in relief and the World Food Program (WFP) providing cash assistance and transport support to nearly 2 million of the affected. To date, foreign aid efforts have provided $44 million so far with recovery efforts still underway.

Loss of US Foreign Aid

As the current United States administration continues to dismantle foreign aid programs, others step up to fill the void. Countries like Japan, Canada, Australia, the EU and the U.K. are all continuing their support. Furthermore, senators and philanthropists like Bill Gates, who says his Foundation will close in 2045, decrie Musk for USAID cuts.

Türkiye, Norway, Brunei, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and Switzerland have given substantial aid to the Bangsamoro peace project through mechanisms such as the Independent Commissioning Body, the International Monitoring Team and Financial Support.

A local HIV/AIDS program called Love Yourself is keeping its doors open through the USAID freeze, thanks to its self-sustaining model, government partnerships and proactive preparation for potential losses of funding. Thanks to these steps, all of their programs are still currently free, with the exception of deliveries.

Additionally, the World Food Programme (WFP) continues to aid those affected by natural disasters. They provide cash assistance to families in the Cagayan province, who additional heavy rains affected in early 2025. More than 60 countries fund the World Food Programme on an entirely voluntary basis.

With this continued supply of aid, and with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty in all forms has been on the decline. The country plans to reach single-digit numbers by 2028.

Looking Ahead

The reality is that, in a world filled with complex relationships, help changes hands but is always offered somewhere. Poverty, inequality, hunger, disease and safety are all seeing progress over time. Although the dismantling of USAID will create immediate challenges, it will also produce new stories of the strength and compassion.

– Levi Ravnsborg

Levi is based in Summerland, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash