Washington, D.C. – November 2025: A cable news report says that the United States government has disbursed over $8 billion in foreign aid to 20 Sub-Saharan African countries for the fiscal year ending September 2025, reaffirming its long-standing development and humanitarian partnership with the continent.
According to new figures from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Ethiopia received the largest share at $617.35 million, followed closely by the Democratic Republic of Congo with $571.35 million, and Nigeria ranking third with $516.69 million. Other major recipients include Sudan ($514.55m), Kenya ($402.84m), and Somalia ($402.57m).
The aid packages cover a broad range of interventions from food security and public health programs to education, governance reform, and counter-terrorism support especially in nations grappling with humanitarian crises, drought, and insecurity.
However, analysts note the contrasting approach of China, which, despite its growing footprint across Africa, provides loans rather than grants and has been repeatedly linked to illegal mining operations and unregulated resource extraction in several countries, including Nigeria. Critics say this pattern often deepens debt dependency and undermines local industries rather than fostering sustainable development.
In Nigeria’s case, U.S. assistance has supported democracy programs, counter-terrorism efforts in the North East, and humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons. The country continues to face complex security challenges from terrorist groups, banditry, and communal violence, leading to calls for deeper international engagement.
Some observers argue that U.S. foreign policy under a possible Donald Trump administration could see a more assertive approach toward African security issues, including Nigeria’s worsening internal instability. Trump, known for his hard-line stance on global security and economic fairness, has previously criticized China’s activities in Africa and expressed concern over the exploitation of the continent’s resources.
While the United States emphasizes aid, transparency, and democratic values, China’s engagement strategy remains primarily commercial and loan-driven a contrast that continues to define Africa’s foreign relations in the 21st century.
With insecurity, youth unemployment, and governance challenges still prevalent across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, the new U.S. aid disbursement is being viewed as a crucial gesture of partnership at a time when global alliances are shifting rapidly.
