U.S. ends Power Africa initiative after 12 years

Program’s closure marks major setback for African electrification efforts

WASHINGTON (MNTV) – The U.S. government has officially ended the Power Africa initiative, a program launched in 2013 to expand electricity access across Africa. 

The decision is part of broader federal budget cuts aimed at reducing government spending.

Originally launched under USAID, Power Africa sought to bring electricity to tens of millions of African households, addressing a critical infrastructure gap across the continent. 

However, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the initiative and similar aid programs were marked for termination.

U.S. State Department spokesperson explained that the decision aligns with the administration’s policy to reassess aid programs based on national interests. 

“Programs that serve our nation’s interests will continue. However, programs that aren’t aligned with our national interest will not,” the spokesperson told Bloomberg.

The closure has resulted in the dismissal of most local staff employed under the initiative. 

While a few projects connecting African efforts with U.S. companies may continue under different government agencies, the majority of Power Africa’s work has been halted.

The shutdown is expected to have far-reaching consequences for African nations reliant on international aid for electrification projects. 

Experts warn it will significantly slow down infrastructure development and economic growth in regions that were counting on the initiative to drive progress.

Power Africa’s end underscores the challenges faced by global aid programs amid shifting political priorities and budget constraints in donor nations.