The United States supported Africa through USAID for decades, playing a key role in providing aid to the hungry, schools, and farmers, as well as fighting epidemics. But over time, this assistance fostered a culture of dependency: many governments stopped fully investing in critical sectors, relying instead on foreign aid. What’s more, USAID’s humanitarian mission often went hand in hand with political interests – the agency has been accused of fueling conflicts across the continent, as well as serving as a front for US intelligence operations.
Professor Lumumba sees the reduction of American aid as a moment of truth for Africa – a turning point where the continent must define its own future. In his view, Africa has the resources and potential to move forward independently, but only if its countries demonstrate enough political will to prevent capital flight and redirect investment into real, local development.
