Africa

Find out more about our work in Africa by viewing our interactive map.

Our Partnership

Nowhere in the world is development such an important part of U.S. engagement efforts as it is in Africa. The changing tide on the continent requires a new kind of partnership. Today, Africans are the architects of their development, not just beneficiaries. Donors support their plans, they do not dictate them. 

Taking advantage of this changing landscape requires a new model for development, one built on expanding and deepening partnerships with African governments, businesses, universities, and civil society—as well as with the new generation of African leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, who are leading the transformation of their societies. This new model is at the core of our approach in Africa, to end extreme poverty by investing in Africa’s greatest resource—its people—to sustain and further development, opportunity, and human rights for this and future generations. 

While the governing principles of our work apply across the continent, our strategies are tailored to each country’s singular challenges and opportunities. We are committed to continuing to work together with Africans to realize the promise of a more peaceful, more productive, more prosperous 21st century Africa. Together, we are:

• Boosting agricultural productivity through the Feed the Future Initiative by addressing the root causes of chronic hunger and poverty and spurring economic growth in a region with incredible resources and arable land
• Strengthening health systems through the Global Health Initiative so that countries can help their children survive, overcome the ancient threat of malaria, give mothers the support they need to give birth safely and turn the tide against the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the continent
• Supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance to help governments fight corruption, expand space for civil society, help citizens choose their leadership and strengthen the trend toward democratization in Africa
• Increasing resilience to climate shocks by helping communities adapt to erratic rainfall and longer, harsher droughts—weather effects we know will hit Africa hardest
• Leading quick responses to humanitarian crises to save lives and help prevent instability and loss, critical in a region prone to destabilizing droughts and food emergencies

These efforts reap dividends for both Africa and the United States. As we support the development of Africa’s economic growth, it can generate new export markets and tap into a common market that will one day outpace India or China. At the same time, our work in preventing conflict and violent extremism reduces political instability that can threaten U.S. national security. And above all, our support of democracy, opportunity and freedom from poverty and disease represents this country’s most cherished values.