A Wake-Up Call, the Need for Self-Reliance

Feb 9 , 2025
By Eden Sahle

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For decades, African countries, including Ethiopia, have heavily relied on financial aid and humanitarian assistance from developed nations, particularly the United States and European states.

America’s recent decision to withdraw support from key international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and major aid programs, has triggered a crisis affecting healthcare, food security, and economic stability across the continent.

The United States has historically been one of Africa’s largest aid providers. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in 2021 alone, America provided approximately 8.5 billion dollars in aid to sub-Saharan Africa, funding healthcare, economic development, humanitarian assistance, and security programs.

While aid has not completely dried up, European nations, particularly the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and France, continue to provide substantial support. The EU contributes around 25 billion euro annually in development aid, making it Africa’s largest donor.

However, the US remains the single largest donor to health initiatives in Africa. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has provided over 100 billion dollars since 2003 to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria across the continent, including Ethiopia. The Feed the Future programme has supported millions of African farmers and families, while the US has led emergency relief efforts in famine-stricken and conflict-ridden regions such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The US withdrawal is already taking a toll on funding for critical organisations like WHO, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP). The consequences are a reduction in vaccine distribution and disease control programs,  decline in emergency food assistance for millions facing hunger, and a slowdown in economic aid, impacting infrastructure projects and employment opportunities.

According to the WHO, more than 1.5 million African children receive life-saving vaccines annually through US-funded programmes. With this support in jeopardy, there might be potential outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio, which had been largely under control.

Africa’s healthcare system remains heavily dependent on foreign donors. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria (GFATM) reports that over 70pc of Africa’s HIV/AIDS programmes rely on international funding. A cut in aid could mean reduced access to antiretroviral drugs for 25 million people living with HIV across the continent.

America's withdrawal from key food aid programs also threatens millions, worsening malnutrition across Africa. Despite years of assistance, the continent remains one of the most food-insecure regions in the world. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 278 million people in Africa face chronic hunger.

Ethiopia is particularly vulnerable to these aid cuts. Data suggests that America’s withdrawal could put Ethiopia under greater strain than most African countries.

The United States has historically been Ethiopia’s largest bilateral donor, providing financial and humanitarian assistance for healthcare, education, economic development, and security. According to USAID, Ethiopia received approximately 1.8 billion dollars in 2022 alone, making it one of the largest recipients of American aid in Africa.

The US has been a major funder of Ethiopia’s healthcare system, particularly through PEPFAR, which has helped provide antiretroviral treatment to over half a million Ethiopians living with HIV. America has also provided emergency aid in response to droughts, locust infestations, and conflicts, benefiting over 20 million people in need of urgent assistance.

Ethiopia’s healthcare system remains heavily dependent on external funding. The Global Fund reports that over 60pc of the country’s HIV/AIDS programs rely on foreign aid. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) estimates that the country needs at least 2 billion dollars annually to sustain essential health services.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the decline in foreign aid presents an opportunity for African governments to take responsibility for their citizens and build sustainable, self-reliant economies.

While foreign aid has addressed critical issues, it has also fostered dependency. The reduction of US aid should be a turning point for African leaders to prioritise self-sufficiency and invest in their people's welfare.

African states must allocate more resources to healthcare. The 2001 Abuja Declaration recommended that at least 15pc of government spending go to healthcare, yet many countries fall short, relying on aid to fill the gap.

Instead of depending on foreign donors, Africa should expand local vaccine manufacturing. Rwanda, South Africa, and Egypt have already begun developing domestic production facilities, proving it can be done. Scaling up these efforts across the continent is now more critical than ever.

Africa imports 50 billion dollars worth of food annually. Countries like Ghana and Kenya have successfully reduced reliance on food imports by supporting local farmers through subsidies and market access.

Investment in manufacturing, technology, and industrialisation will create jobs and reduce dependence on aid.

Transparency and accountability are essential. According to the African Union, corruption costs Africa 148 billion dollars annually, money that could be used for healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The African diaspora contributes over 50 billion dollars annually in remittances. Encouraging investment from Africans abroad could finance development projects and further reduce reliance on foreign aid.

By increasing domestic investment in healthcare, agriculture, and economic diversification, Africa can take control of its future. The time for leaders to act is now.

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PUBLISHED ON Feb 09, 2025 [ VOL 25 , NO 1293]

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