Administration Ends Power Africa Initiative, Halting Decade-Long Effort to Expand Electricity Access

Key Takeaways:

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• The Trump administration has dismantled Power Africa, a US-led initiative aimed at increasing electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa, after more than a decade of operation.
• Most programs under Power Africa have been terminated, with the majority of staff dismissed, though some projects connecting US companies to African energy markets may continue under other agencies.
• Power Africa, launched under President Obama, aimed to add 30 gigawatts of electricity capacity and 60 million connections but faced criticism for slow progress.
• The decision could slow efforts to address Africa’s electricity deficit, where nearly half of the population lacks access to power.

What Happened?
The Trump administration has ended Power Africa, a US initiative launched under President Obama to expand electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. The program, which operated under USAID, aimed to add 30 gigawatts of electricity capacity and connect 60 million homes and businesses to power. Most of its programs have been terminated, and the majority of staff have been dismissed. While some projects that align with US interests may continue under other agencies, the initiative’s broader goals have been abandoned. The decision follows a review by the State Department, which stated that programs not serving US national interests would be discontinued.

Why It Matters?
Power Africa played a critical role in addressing sub-Saharan Africa’s electricity deficit, where nearly half of the 1.3 billion population lacks access to power. The initiative provided technical and legal expertise, facilitated private sector investments, and helped projects reach financial close. Its termination could slow progress in boosting power generation and improving energy access in the region, potentially impacting economic growth and development. For investors, the move signals a shift in US foreign aid priorities, with a focus on aligning programs more closely with domestic interests. The decision also raises questions about the future of US-Africa energy partnerships and private sector involvement in the region.

What’s Next?
The dismantling of Power Africa may create a vacuum in energy development efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, leaving room for other global players, such as China, to expand their influence in the region. Investors should monitor how African governments and private sector stakeholders respond to the loss of US support and whether alternative funding sources emerge. Additionally, the restructuring of US foreign aid programs under the Trump administration could lead to further changes in how the US engages with global development initiatives, particularly in energy and infrastructure sectors.