By Abdullahi Lukman
The Trump administration has dismantled the U.S.-backed Power Africa initiative, a program launched in 2013 under President Barack Obama to expand electricity access across the continent.
According to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter, nearly all of the initiative’s programs are set for termination, with most of its staff being let go.
Power Africa, which aimed to provide electricity to millions of African households, will see a restructuring with a focus on aligning programs with U.S. national interests, as per a statement from the State Department.
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Some elements of the initiative, especially those connecting U.S. companies to projects, may continue under other U.S. agencies.
An official from the State Department emphasized that only programs that align with U.S. interests would continue, while those that do not would be eliminated.
The move is part of broader efforts to reduce government spending, spearheaded by figures like Elon Musk, and marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) had previously managed Power Africa, which became a prominent target in the drive to cut federal expenditures.
