When people think about international development programs, they often think of direct cash payments being sent to low-income nations in difficult environments. But most of the time, America’s international development programs involve major public health campaigns and investment initiatives designed to help communities become more self-sufficient. One of the largest recipients of these investments is Africa. We’ve previously mentioned the importance of Africa and how Africa is the future of global affairs. This week, we’ll take a look at some of the most successful American international development programs that have had substantial positive impacts on people throughout Africa.

PEPFAR

Let’s start with one of the biggest development success stories in modern history. In 2003, the United States created the President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief (PEPFAR). As one of the largest global public health programs in history, this initiative provided substantial investments in public health throughout Africa to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Prior to the creation of PEPFAR, AIDS had been running unchecked throughout the continent. In the years since, over 20 million lives have been saved with countless more infections prevented. In addition, the effort has expanded to fifty nations around the world and dramatically curbed the spread of the disease worldwide. All of these investments throughout the years to fight AIDS have built up a public health infrastructure throughout Africa that is now being used to combat the COVID pandemic.

Power Africa

One of the most significant barriers to entry into the international economy is the simple act of bringing electricity to homes and businesses. In 2013, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Power Africa program to do just that. Two-thirds of people living in Africa lack access to consistent electricity. The Power Africa program has committed to providing 60 million new electrical connections and generating up to 30,000 megawatts of electricity. In just eight years, the program has already established connections for 12,000 megawatts. This is being done with direct investments in locally owned businesses and organizations to ensure that resources go directly to those who need them most. With these improvements in infrastructure, the millions of people in Africa and their businesses can succeed in the global marketplace and partner with American businesses along the way.

Millennium Challenge Corporation

Established in 2004, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) works as the primary arm of America’s financial investments in international development and global prosperity. African markets have the purchasing power of over 300 million people, which results in over $13 trillion in spending potential. This is one of the world’s fastest growing markets for American businesses. The MCC provides private investments to local African businesses, infrastructure projects, and national government service programs for the purpose of increasing the economic potential of recipient nations. These investments not only help contribute to the success of those living in recipient nations, they also help lay the groundwork for American businesses to succeed in these markets which provides a significant return on investment. Throughout this process, the MCC uses data-driven metrics to ensure that development funds are not wasted on frivolous projects. Businesses invest alongside the MCC in projects that are designed to create long-term stability and economic prosperity. Without these funds, many African businesses and development initiatives would be scrapped or overtaken by coercive diplomatic investment measures by other nations.

The Bottom Line

Investing in the future of the African continent is critical to both African prosperity and American economic security. The PEPFAR program has saved millions of lives through its innovate public health initiatives, while the Power Africa program helps generate the electricity needed for people and businesses to thrive. And the Millennium Challenge Corporation helps American businesses make sound investments throughout the region which uplift people throughout Africa and provide a significant return on investment. All of this is done with support from the federal international affairs budget. Though foreign policy spending represents less than 1% of the entire budget, it provides substantial benefits for those abroad and Americans at home. These benefits include better public health outcomes, stronger economic ties, and more stability throughout the region which helps reduce refugee migrations and suppress global terrorism. It’s not just the right thing to do, it is in America’s self-interest to do it.