** A reflection on the suspension of the USAID: towards a reinvention of international aid in Africa? **
The freezing of American external aid, announced by President Donald Trump in January 2023, had a shock wave through the African continent. For many countries, USAID financial assistance and other American organizations represents a vital contribution for economic development, public health and education. This suspension, which concerns more than $ 68 billion in aid for the current year, has raised concerns about the future of the millions of beneficiaries who depend on this aid to survive.
However, behind this crisis hides an unprecedented opportunity to re -examine the dynamics of international solidarity and its impact on development in Africa. The Togolese economist Kako Nubukpo suggests that this situation could serve as a catalyst for a real change in the way in which African leaders are considering the development of their countries. To go beyond the alarming observation, it is crucial to analyze this suspension through a broader prism which explores not only the immediate implications, but also the potential of change it arouses.
### a clean historical context
International assistance relations, especially between the United States and African countries, have always been marked by an asymmetry of power. African countries have often found themselves in a position of dependence, slowing down their ability to innovate and develop autonomous strategies. This dependence has deep historical origins, resulting from centuries of colonization and neocolonialism, where African nations have been systematically ousted from decision -making power concerning their own future.
The announcement of the suspension of the USAID could therefore be perceived not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity to redefine this complex relationship. By freeing themselves from the channels of external assistance, African governments could be encouraged to strengthen their own governance, to better mobilize internal resources and to engage in more balanced partnerships with other nations, in particular those of ‘Africa herself.
### The emergence of a new economic paradigm
The imperative of rethinking international assistance could also be accompanied by a reconfiguration of the economic paradigm on the continent. For example, African countries have started to adopt strategies based on local entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and sustainable solutions to social and economic problems. With this in mind, initiatives such as the initiative of the African Union “Agenda 2063”, which advocates regional integration and self -sufficiency, could find a renewed momentum.
Statistics show that African startups attract more and more investments. In 2022, the continent recorded a 50 % increase in investments in emerging technologies, with funds internationally there. This should encourage African leaders to develop ecosystems favorable to innovation, thereby reducing their dependence on external aid.
### A coalition of committed leaders
The suspension of the USAID could also create a dynamic of solidarity among African countries. By putting aside historical rivalries, African nations could collaborate to form a coalition of leaders committed to change. A strategic partnership could emerge, allowing these countries to share resources and know-how while developing common sustainable development projects.
It is crucial that African governments, instead of adopting a “miserable” posture, as Kako Nubukpo underlines, attack the self-stigmatization that persists. The creation of chapters of united African entrepreneurs and thinkers could embody this new vision, converting the challenge into opportunity. It is a question of sending a strong message, proving that Africa can take control of its destiny.
### The role of alternative partners
It should not be forgotten that with the rise of emerging economies, new strategic partnerships could offer African countries alternatives to American assistance. The strengthening of relations with countries like China, India or the Nations of the Persian Gulf could offer African leaders more balanced cooperation models, based on mutual respect and economic exchanges.
Far from being a simple power game, these coalitions could also encourage the exchange of skills and technologies. The idea is not to ignore the role of international aid, but rather to reinvent it so that it serves the interests of African countries more, by helping them build resilient economic systems.
### Conclusion: A call for change
The announcement of the USAID suspension should not be considered as fatality, but as a call for change. African leaders are at a crucial crossroads. They can choose to stay in a posture of dependence or use this opportunity to reinvent the governance and the economy of their countries. By mobilizing internal resources, by stimulating local innovation and forging strategic alliances, Africa has all the cards in hand to transform this crisis into a historic occasion of Renaissance.
It is time for the continent to reclaim his space, write his own story and engage on the path of self -sufficiency and sustainable development. This is how the American announcement, far from being a curse, could well turn out to be the seed of a revival for Africa.