An initiative aimed at boosting electricity supply in Africa, started by the United States, has been dismantled by the Trump administration after over ten years of effort, as reported by Bloomberg News on Wednesday, referencing sources familiar with the situation.
The majority of programs under Power Africa have reportedly been slated for cancellation, with most of its personnel laid off, according to the report that cited anonymous sources.
Some ongoing initiatives, especially those intended to connect projects with American companies, might be preserved under different U.S. agencies, the report noted.
The Power Africa initiative, which was initiated in 2013 by President Barack Obama, seeks to provide electricity to millions of households across Africa.
“Each program is currently being reviewed with the aim of restructuring assistance to align with U.S. interests,” Bloomberg reported, citing a spokesperson from the State Department.
“Programs that align with our national interests will continue. However, initiatives that do not align with our national interests will be discontinued,” an official from the department shared with Bloomberg in response to inquiries.
A request for comment sent via email to the U.S. State Department’s office has yet to receive a response.
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Power Africa was managed by the U.S. government’s aid organization, USAID, which was one of the primary targets of the campaign to reduce federal government expenditure spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
