News / National
Trump order to 'cost' Zimbabwe US$300m aid
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US President Donald Trump's decision to halt foreign development assistance for 90 days pending a policy review may have significant consequences for several humanitarian programs in Zimbabwe, which received nearly US$360 million in funding in 2024.
The announcement came through an Executive Order issued on Monday, in which Trump stated that the US foreign aid industry and its bureaucracy were misaligned with American interests and values. The decision effectively pauses US foreign assistance to Zimbabwe and other countries, as the government evaluates the efficiency and consistency of aid programs with US foreign policy.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 national budget presented to Parliament, noted that Zimbabwe was expecting around US$800 million from development partners in the coming year, with US aid, channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), being one of the largest contributors. USAid has funded crucial sectors in Zimbabwe, including health, agriculture, democracy, and food security.
Under the Executive Order, US agencies responsible for foreign development assistance are instructed to pause new obligations and disbursements of funds until the 90-day review period ends. The order also applies to non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors involved in aid programs, with the US government set to assess whether these programs align with President Trump's foreign policy objectives.
In 2024, the US provided substantial support to Zimbabwe through USAid, including US$55.1 million for the Global Health Supply Chain, US$21.8 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and US$20.5 million for food security programs. The funding also supported efforts in health, governance, agriculture, and gender equality, with a particular emphasis on combating HIV and malaria, supporting food security, and promoting democratic governance.
Despite the pause in US aid, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare clarified that funding directly flows to implementing partners, such as non-governmental organizations and contractors. The ministry plans to engage USAid to assess the impact of the suspension on ongoing projects.
USAid's work in Zimbabwe includes critical health initiatives, such as those addressing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, along with programs to improve maternal and child healthcare. The agency's Food for Peace program is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance, while Feed the Future has helped over 200,000 smallholder farmers improve agricultural productivity and income.
Additionally, USAid's environmental programs in the Limpopo River Basin, its support for democratic governance, and its promotion of gender equality and youth empowerment have been vital to Zimbabwe's socio-economic development.
As the 90-day review period continues, Zimbabwe faces uncertainty over the future of these vital aid programs, which have contributed significantly to its healthcare, food security, and development sectors.
The announcement came through an Executive Order issued on Monday, in which Trump stated that the US foreign aid industry and its bureaucracy were misaligned with American interests and values. The decision effectively pauses US foreign assistance to Zimbabwe and other countries, as the government evaluates the efficiency and consistency of aid programs with US foreign policy.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, in his 2025 national budget presented to Parliament, noted that Zimbabwe was expecting around US$800 million from development partners in the coming year, with US aid, channeled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), being one of the largest contributors. USAid has funded crucial sectors in Zimbabwe, including health, agriculture, democracy, and food security.
Under the Executive Order, US agencies responsible for foreign development assistance are instructed to pause new obligations and disbursements of funds until the 90-day review period ends. The order also applies to non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and contractors involved in aid programs, with the US government set to assess whether these programs align with President Trump's foreign policy objectives.
Despite the pause in US aid, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare clarified that funding directly flows to implementing partners, such as non-governmental organizations and contractors. The ministry plans to engage USAid to assess the impact of the suspension on ongoing projects.
USAid's work in Zimbabwe includes critical health initiatives, such as those addressing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, along with programs to improve maternal and child healthcare. The agency's Food for Peace program is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance, while Feed the Future has helped over 200,000 smallholder farmers improve agricultural productivity and income.
Additionally, USAid's environmental programs in the Limpopo River Basin, its support for democratic governance, and its promotion of gender equality and youth empowerment have been vital to Zimbabwe's socio-economic development.
As the 90-day review period continues, Zimbabwe faces uncertainty over the future of these vital aid programs, which have contributed significantly to its healthcare, food security, and development sectors.
Source - newsday
