The United States has officially shut down its Power Africa initiative, a program that has played a key role in expanding electricity access across the continent for over a decade. The decision, made under the Trump administration, marks a significant policy shift and raises concerns about the future of Africa’s energy development.
According to sources familiar with the matter, nearly all programs under Power Africa have been flagged for termination, leading to mass layoffs and uncertainty for ongoing projects. While some aspects of the initiative—especially those linking African energy projects with American companies—may continue under other U.S. government agencies, the majority of its operations have been dismantled.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed the restructuring, stating, “We are realigning our assistance to prioritize U.S. strategic interests. Programs that do not directly serve national priorities will be phased out.” This shift signals a broader move in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing national security and economic benefits over long-term developmental aid.
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Africa, home to 600 million people without reliable electricity, is the most energy-deprived region in the world. Power Africa, launched by President Barack Obama in 2013, aimed to increase electricity generation by 30 gigawatts and provide 60 million new connections to homes and businesses. The initiative was a public-private partnership that combined government resources with private sector investments to tackle Africa’s persistent energy crisis.
The abrupt cancellation of the program has sparked fears that progress in Africa’s power sector will stall, potentially setting back economic growth and industrialization efforts. With a rapidly growing population of 1.3 billion people, energy demand in sub-Saharan Africa continues to surge, but supply remains critically low. Without U.S. support, many large-scale energy projects may face delays or cancellations, deepening the continent’s electricity deficit.
As African nations scramble to find alternative funding and technical assistance, industry experts warn that energy poverty could worsen, impacting businesses, healthcare, and education. The fate of many ongoing infrastructure projects now hangs in the balance, leaving millions uncertain about when—or if—electricity will reach their communities.
