The Trump administration has dismantled Power Africa, a U.S. initiative launched over a decade ago to expand electricity access across the African continent, according to Bloomberg whose source sought anonymity.
The decision marks the end of a program that aimed to address energy poverty in Africa, with most of its operations now slated for termination.
Power Africa, established in 2013 under President Barack Obama, sought to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa by facilitating partnerships between governments, private companies, and international organizations.
Over its lifespan, the program supported numerous projects, from solar installations to grid expansions, in an effort to bring reliable power to millions of households and businesses.
Under the recent directive, nearly all of Power Africa’s programs are being discontinued, and the majority of its staff have been let go.
However, a few elements—particularly those connecting U.S. companies to African energy projects—may persist under the oversight of other government agencies.
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A State Department spokesperson told Bloomberg that each program is being reviewed to align U.S. assistance with national interests, signaling a shift in priorities under the current administration.
The move has sparked debate about its implications for U.S.-Africa relations and the continent’s ongoing energy challenges.
Critics argue that terminating Power Africa could cede influence to other global players, like China, which has heavily invested in African infrastructure. Supporters of the decision, however, contend that redirecting resources could better serve American economic and strategic goals.
As of now, the full scope of the program’s closure and its impact on existing projects remain unclear.
The Trump administration has not yet released an official statement detailing the reasoning behind the dismantle or outlining plans for any retained initiatives.
This development comes amid broader shifts in U.S. foreign policy, raising questions about the future of American engagement in Africa’s development landscape.
