Counterpoint Is Western Aid Helping or Harming Africa?
May 7, 2025
Ken Opalo, an associate professor at Georgetown University, argues that Western aid has created more problems for Africa than it has solved. On the other side, Ndidi Nwuneli, president of The ONE Campaign, emphasizes the critical role of aid in fostering economic opportunities and healthier lives. They debate the consequences of recent U.S. aid cuts, explore the need for African nations to gain self-reliance, and discuss the shift from aid dependency to more equitable partnerships. The conversation dives deep into how these changes could reshape Africa's future.
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Health Aid Cuts Reverse Progress
- Abrupt USAID cuts have reversed progress in HIV-AIDS care in Africa.
- This rollback includes medication shortages, increased transmission, and organizational closures.
Aid Created Policy Dependency
- Aid created dependency and distorted policymaking in many African countries.
- Foreign funding often outsourced critical sectors, discouraging local ownership and reform.
Seize Wake-Up Call Opportunity
- African countries must take ownership of healthcare and economic growth.
- Aid cuts can serve as a wake-up call to accelerate sustainable development and domestic resource mobilization.