Key facts
- A quarter of young Africans believe US aid cuts could have a positive impact, forcing leaders to confront their own challenges.
- In Ghana and Nigeria, 41% and 40% of young people, respectively, were optimistic about the cuts.
- The Trump administration announced in early 2025 the elimination of over 90% of USAID's foreign contracts and $60 billion in overall US assistance.
- Nearly half of African youth (46%) believe the closure of USAID will negatively impact their countries, particularly healthcare services.
- The survey interviewed almost 5,000 people across 16 African countries.
A significant portion of young Africans, approximately a quarter, believe that cuts to US foreign aid, specifically from USAID, could ultimately have a positive impact by compelling their governments to address domestic challenges independently. This sentiment emerges from the African Youth Survey, which interviewed nearly 5,000 individuals aged 18-24 across 16 countries.
Optimism regarding the aid cuts was particularly pronounced in Ghana and Nigeria, where nearly half of young respondents expressed positive views. This perspective suggests a desire for greater self-reliance and a potential distrust of foreign influence on national governance. The survey indicates that 11% of young people remain uncertain about the consequences of these reductions.
The Trump administration's decision in early 2025 to eliminate over 90% of USAID's foreign contracts and $60 billion in overall US assistance is a key factor. This move follows similar reductions by other nations like Britain, France, and Germany, with the UK planning to cut its aid budget to 0.3% of GNI by 2027, below the UN's 0.7% target.
Ivor Ichikowitz, whose foundation commissioned the report, highlighted that African youth are concerned about governments being overly influenced by foreign powers, advocating for African governments to take ownership of their realities. This sentiment is amplified by Africa's status as the continent with the youngest population globally.
However, the cuts have also generated significant backlash from development and humanitarian organizations, leading to the closure of vital services like maternity clinics and exacerbating food insecurity. Nearly half of African youth (46%) anticipate a damaging impact, with healthcare and disease prevention seen as the most affected areas, especially in countries like Mozambique, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Degan Ali of Adeso acknowledged the irresponsible manner of the cuts but was not surprised by the positive reception from some youth, noting that aid can be perceived as demeaning and that funds may not always reach the intended causes. She emphasized that the younger generation is politically active and holds leaders accountable, seeking African role models like Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traoré, who embodies a pan-Africanist stance against Western imperialism.
Hibak Kalfan of Near pointed out that the cessation of USAID funding has led to the closure of initiatives but also presents an opportunity to re-evaluate resources and sustainability, highlighting the long-standing dependency on bilateral external funding and the need for diverse resource streams.