The Impact of the 2025 U.S. Funding Freeze for Aid Agencies in Africa: Humanitarian, Economic, and Geopolitical Implications
Abstract In 2025, the U.S. government announced a 90-day freeze on funding for aid agencies operating in Africa, citing the need for a comprehensive review of foreign assistance programs. This decision disrupted critical aid flows to the continent, where many nations rely on U.S. support for health, education, food security, and economic development. This paper examines the immediate and long-term effects of the 2025 funding freeze on African countries, focusing on its humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical consequences. Using case studies from key sectors such as HIV/AIDS prevention, climate resilience, and conflict resolution, the paper argues that the freeze exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, strained diplomatic relations, and highlighted the risks of abrupt policy shifts in global aid. The findings underscore the importance of predictable and sustained funding for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. Introduction The United States has long been a...