Launched in 2013 with the goal of supporting renewable energy projects and expanding electricity access, the Power Africa program has officially been terminated under the Trump administration. Originally operating under the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the program was a significant initiative aimed at addressing the electricity access gap in Africa, where over 600 million people—nearly 43% of the population—still lack reliable power.
Power Africa’s closure comes as part of broader cost-cutting efforts spearheaded by the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. Since President Trump took office in January, over 90% of USAID’s global aid programs have been discontinued, resulting in the termination of around 1,600 federal jobs.
First launched during the Obama administration, Power Africa received an investment of over $1 billion in US government funds. However, these resources facilitated a much larger wave of investment, unlocking approximately $29 billion in additional financing for power projects across the continent. The initiative focused on promoting renewable energy—spanning geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power—and bolstering power generation and transmission infrastructure across Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan regions where power access remains limited.
At the time of its inception, World Bank data showed that 62% of Africa’s population lacked access to electricity. By the program’s conclusion, Power Africa supported more than 150 power projects, which collectively added 15,498 megawatts of capacity, providing electricity to an estimated 216 million people. These projects also facilitated business opportunities for over 100 US companies, generating $26.4 billion in deals.
While most of Power Africa’s programs have been discontinued, a State Department spokesperson indicated that some initiatives, particularly those linking projects with US companies, may remain in place.
The end of Power Africa marks a significant shift in US foreign policy regarding renewable energy initiatives in Africa, with widespread implications for the region’s energy future. As the program’s closure is felt across the continent, the need for sustainable and equitable power access remains as urgent as ever.
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