Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues

Publication Date: July 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

U.S. aid to Africa reached a peak in 1985, when global competition with the Soviet Union was at a high point. As the Cold War eased, security assistance levels for Africa began to drop. In 1995, at the outset of the 104th Congress, substantial reductions in aid to Africa had been anticipated, as many questioned the importance of Africa to U.S. national security interests in the post-Cold War era. As the debate went forward, however, congressional reports and bills emphasized U.S. humanitarian, economic, and other interests in Africa. Aid levels did fall, but began a gradual recovery in FY1997. Assistance through the Child Survival and Development Assistance (DA) accounts has now leveled off, but aid to Africa is reaching new highs due to aid through the Global AIDS Initiative.

U.S. assistance reaches Africa through a variety of channels, including USAIDadministered DA and Child Survival programs, food aid programs, and refugee assistance. The Peace Corps is expanding in Africa and plans to have about 2,700 volunteers there by the end of FY2005. The U.S. African Development Foundation makes small grants to cooperatives, youth groups, and self-help organizations. U.S. security assistance, though still far below levels seen in the 1980s, has increased in recent years, primarily because of U.S. support for African peacekeeping initiatives. The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) is the principal multilateral channel for U.S. aid, but the United States also contributes to the African Development Bank and Fund and to United Nations activities in Africa.

U.S. officials continue to stress a strong commitment to assisting Africa. In a June 26, 2003 speech, President Bush described a "partnership" with Africa including support for security and development. In August 2002, the Administration announced initiatives on access to potable water, clean energy, reducing hunger, and development and conservation in the Congo River basin. The initiatives are to make extensive use of public-private partnerships. As part of its counterterrorism efforts, the Administration has also launched initiatives to strengthen security forces in the Sahel region and in East Africa.

The overall level of funding for aid to Africa remains a continuing subject of debate. Other issues include the eligibility of African countries for aid through the Millennium Challenge Account and U.S. support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), an African initiative linking increased aid with policy reform. This CRS report replaces CRS Issue Brief IB95052, Africa: U.S. Foreign Assistance Issues, by Ted Dagne. It will be updated as the situation warrants.