President Joseph R. Biden has announced a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance, pledging over $1 billion to address the urgent needs arising from food insecurity and various crises affecting refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities across 31 African countries.
This significant funding announcement was made during President Biden’s visit to Angola, highlighting the United States’ strong commitment to supporting African nations in their ongoing battle against hunger and related challenges.
The aid package includes nearly $823 million administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with an additional $202 million sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation. Furthermore, $186 million will be distributed through the U.S. Department of State.
This new commitment builds on the promises made at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, where President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to combating food insecurity across the African continent.
Africa remains the region most severely affected by hunger, with the United Nations estimating that nearly one in five Africans—approximately 300 million people—faced hunger in 2023. The number of individuals experiencing acute food insecurity continues to rise, driven by factors such as armed conflict, extreme weather events, and natural disasters.
“Armed conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis,” the statement noted. “This funding demonstrates our firm resolve to help save lives and alleviate suffering among the continent’s most vulnerable populations.”
The aid will enable U.S. humanitarian partners to deliver critical services, including emergency healthcare, water and sanitation initiatives, and programs to prevent infectious disease outbreaks. It will also provide for other essential needs, such as protection, mental health services, education, and shelter.
A key portion of the funding, facilitated by the Commodity Credit Corporation, will support the purchase, shipping, and distribution of U.S. agricultural commodities. These resources, sourced from American farmers, will directly address acute food insecurity in East and Central Africa.
Despite the United States providing nearly $6.6 billion in humanitarian assistance across sub-Saharan Africa in Fiscal Year 2024, President Biden emphasized that the scale of the crisis requires greater international collaboration. “We urge other donors to step up in this time of historic need,” he said, calling for expanded efforts to address the growing demand for life-saving aid across the continent.
