A decade-long effort to expand electricity access in Africa has been dismantled by the Trump administration, effectively ending Power Africa, a U.S. initiative that aimed to add 30 gigawatts of cleaner energy and provide electricity to 60 million homes and businesses.
A State Department spokesperson stated that all programs are under review, with funding prioritized for initiatives that align with U.S. interests, adding that programs that do not serve their national interest will be discontinued.
Power Africa, launched under former President Barack Obama and operated through USAID, provided technical and legal expertise while fostering public-private partnerships to improve power generation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Trump’s administration, which accused USAID of misusing taxpayer funds, placed thousands of staff members on administrative leave. The initiative’s closure is expected to slow progress in addressing Africa’s energy deficit.
