U.S. Commits Over $1 Billion in Humanitarian Aid to Combat Food Insecurity in Africa

The United States has pledged more than $1 billion in additional humanitarian assistance to address food insecurity and urgent needs among refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities across 31 African countries.

The funding, announced during President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, includes nearly $823 million through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with over $202 million sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation. An additional $186 million will be provided by the U.S. Department of State.

This announcement builds on commitments made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2022, where President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. partnership with African nations to tackle food insecurity. Africa continues to face the highest global hunger rates, with the United Nations reporting that almost 300 million people, or one in five Africans, experienced hunger in 2023. The numbers are expected to rise due to armed conflicts, extreme weather, and other emergencies exacerbating food insecurity across the continent.

The U.S. humanitarian aid will be used to deliver life-saving assistance, including food, health care, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services, to affected populations. Implementing partners will also address broader needs, such as mental health support, education, protection, and shelter. Funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation will enable USAID to purchase, ship, and distribute U.S. agricultural commodities to food-insecure populations in East and Central Africa.

“This funding demonstrates our unwavering commitment to support our African partners and vulnerable communities in addressing the growing challenge of food insecurity,” the U.S. government stated, emphasizing the critical importance of collaborative international efforts to mitigate hunger and suffering.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the United States provided nearly $6.6 billion in humanitarian assistance to sub-Saharan Africa. However, U.S. officials have urged other international donors to contribute more significantly to meet the escalating needs.

With this new commitment, the United States aims to alleviate the impact of hunger and malnutrition while addressing critical health and safety concerns for some of the most vulnerable populations across Africa.