The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump of a 90-day overseas spending freeze, followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertion that ‘every dollar’ must be justified, has reignited critical conversations about the true impact of foreign aid in Africa. While at first glance this policy might seem harsh, it presents an important opportunity for African nations to reassess their economic strategies. Rather than viewing these developments as setbacks, Africa should embrace them as a wake-up call to reject dependency on foreign aid and prioritise self-sufficiency through resource management and free-market principles.
The flawed legacy of foreign aid in Africa
Since the 1960s, Africa has received over $2.6 trillion in foreign aid, with the intention of alleviating poverty and spurring development. However, rather than fostering sustainable growth, foreign assistance has often deepened economic vulnerabilities. During the peak of foreign aid between 1970 and 1998, poverty levels in Africa skyrocketed from 11 percent to 66%. This paradoxical outcome can be traced to systemic issues where aid inadvertently fuels corruption, reduces incentives for local investment, and distorts economic structures.
Foreign aid often enriches political elites rather than reaching those most in need. This dynamic not only weakens public institutions but also discourages governments from investing in essential social programs, knowing that donor funds will cover gaps. Additionally, large-scale aid inflows frequently lead to inflation, making African exports less competitive on the global stage. Rather than nurturing industries that drive long-term growth, such as manufacturing and technology, aid fosters a cycle of dependency that stifles innovation and entrepreneurship.
When good intentions fail: case studies of ineffective aid
Africa’s history is filled with examples of well-intentioned aid projects that failed due to poor planning and a lack of understanding of local contexts. In Mali, for instance, USAID invested $10 million in ‘Operation Mils Mopti’ to boost grain production. However, government-imposed price controls forced farmers to sell at below-market rates, causing grain production to plummet by 80 percent. Similarly, USAID’s $4 million initiative to double cattle numbers in Bakel resulted in a meagre increase of just 882 cattle, falling drastically short of its target.
Another glaring example is the construction of a fish-freezing plant in northern Kenya, funded by Norwegian aid agencies. Built in a region where the local population does not traditionally fish due to their semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle, the plant also required more power than the area could supply. As a result, the facility sat idle, symbolising the disconnect between foreign aid projects and local realities.
In Tanzania, a $10 million World Bank-funded cashew processing initiative established 11 factories designed to handle triple the country’s annual cashew yield. The plants were costly to operate, and it turned out to be cheaper to process the raw nuts in India. This led to the closure of many factories, while the remaining ones operated at just 20 percent capacity.
The hidden costs of foreign aid
While foreign aid is often framed as humanitarian, it frequently serves geopolitical interests. Aid packages are commonly used as leverage to influence domestic policies in recipient countries, undermining national sovereignty. As James Peron from the Institute for Liberal Values in Johannesburg points out, aid is typically channelled through government-to-government transfers, where it risks being misused to maintain the power structures of ruling regimes rather than addressing the needs of the impoverished.
Today, similar dynamics are at play as Western environmental groups push African nations to abandon oil and gas projects in exchange for climate-related aid. This proposition, under the guise of environmental stewardship, risks compromising Africa’s energy sovereignty. Sacrificing valuable natural resources for conditional financial support not only jeopardises economic growth but also threatens the continent’s ability to chart its own developmental path.
Leveraging Africa’s resources for sustainable growth
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) firmly believes that Africa’s future lies not in aid dependency but in harnessing its vast natural resources. Oil and gas are not just revenue streams; they are catalysts for job creation, industrialisation, and energy security. Investing in natural gas, for example, has the potential to create thousands of jobs, support local businesses, and reduce the continent’s reliance on foreign energy imports.
An inclusive energy strategy that balances the development of hydrocarbons with renewable energy sources is critical. With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity and 900 million without clean cooking technologies, addressing energy poverty is an urgent priority. Transitioning to green energy without first securing reliable energy access would be both impractical and unjust.
Natural gas can serve as a bridge fuel, powering industries and homes while supporting economic growth. As Africa builds a robust energy infrastructure, the continent will be better positioned to integrate renewable energy solutions seamlessly. This pragmatic approach ensures that Africa’s energy transition is not only environmentally responsible but also economically sustainable.
The path forward: economic independence over dependency
Foreign aid, despite its good intentions, has not delivered the transformative change Africa needs. Instead of perpetuating a cycle of dependency, African nations should focus on policies that promote economic independence, attract investment, and foster entrepreneurship. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises within the energy sector can drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate sustainable growth.
Rejecting foreign aid does not mean rejecting international partnerships. Rather, it means shifting the focus from handouts to mutually beneficial collaborations that respect Africa’s autonomy. By leveraging its resources, investing in infrastructure, and embracing free-market principles, Africa can achieve the economic prosperity it deserves—without relying on conditional foreign assistance.
In the face of shifting global dynamics, Africa’s message is clear: We don’t need aid—we need opportunities to thrive on our own terms.
NJ Ayuk is the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (wwwEnergyChamber.org).
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