President Trump Seeks Reduction In Funds For Africa

US President Donald Trump is seeking to reduce US funding for several of its Africa-focused initiatives, including cuts to aid in Kenya by more than half between 2018 and 2020.

In 2018 the US will have provided US$102 million in funding for projects in the country. This would be reduced to US$43.5 million in 2020 if Congress approves President Trump’s proposed budget. This is considered unlikely, however, with Congress rejecting past moves by the President to dramatically cut funds. 

Another area the Trump administration would like to see cut is funding for peacekeeping operations in Somalia, with a proposed reductions from US$254 million in 2018 to US$90 million in 2020.

President Trump’s administration has described the plans as part of its “Prosper Africa” plan that looks to shift the relationship between the African continent and the US to one focused on trade rather than aid.