The Conversation Weekly After USAID: the future of foreign aid
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May 15, 2025 
Bright Simons is a prominent political and economic commentator from Ghana, while Adejewan Shoinka serves as Regional Editor for West Africa at The Conversation. They delve into the repercussions of USAID cuts, particularly highlighting how Nigeria and other African nations are affected. The discussion critiques the reliance on foreign aid and explores alternative strategies for health management and economic stability. Simons and Shoinka emphasize the importance of local accountability and proactive health measures in overcoming these challenges.
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Impact of USAID Cuts
- USAID cuts severely impact critical health programs in countries like Nigeria and South Africa.
- Even though US aid is small overall, its loss risks rising disease and humanitarian crises.
Evolution of Foreign Aid
- Foreign aid’s origin mixes humanitarian aid and geopolitical Cold War strategies.
- Planned development aid started in late 1960s to reduce arbitrary, politics-driven aid.
Blueprint Aid Model Critique
- The dominant aid model is a complex blueprint trying to solve everything at once.
- This one-size-fits-all approach often lacks clear priorities and adaptivity to local needs.