Afrika nå: After USAID - what now for Aid and for Africa?

Om eventet

The event will take place at Eilert Sundts hus at Blindern, in auditorium 1. In 2024, USAID allocated a total of $12.7 billion to African countries*, representing 30% of total U.S. foreign assistance. Following the election of Trump, his administration made the controversial decision to freeze over 90% of USAID programs. This dramatic funding cut has caused widespread distress across the continent, as millions of people rely on U.S-funded initiatives. Health, education, and other vital social programs have been scaled back or shut down completely, leaving local governments, NGOs, and communities scrambling for alternatives. Will it lead to devastating consequences for those who are most vulnerable, or could it open the door to greater independence and self-reliance for African nations? What will this mean for the role of other foreign aid providers, and how will African governments and international actors respond to fill the gaps? In light of these questions, we are inviting you to join us for a panel discussion on the USAID funding freeze and its potential effects on Africa, as well as the aid sector as a whole. We will explore, among other things, the opportunities Africa has in the face of this crisis and which actors will step up now that the U.S. has taken a step back. How can African countries navigate this shift, and who will fill the void left by the U.S.? Don’t miss this important conversation as we dive into the future of African development and international aid. In the panel: - Dean Karlan, former Chief Economist at USAID and currently Professor of Economics at Northwestern University. Karlan is a one of the world’s leading economists, renowned for his expertise in in microfinance, development policy, and behavioral economics. As former Chief Economist at USAID, he shaped U.S. foreign aid strategy, focusing on poverty reduction and economic development. - Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud, Somalian politician and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Somalia. - Pio Ding, Africa Area Director at Save the Children Norway. Ding has previously worked for Norwegian Church Aid and Act Alliance and has more than 20 years experience from international development and humanitarian work. - Jon Lomøy, former diplomat and Director General at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (2015-2019). Lomøy has served as the ambassador to several African countries. Moderator will be Hawa Muuse, senior advisor in the Norwegian Red Cross.