By Arowolo Ayoola, Ph.D
In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” mandating a comprehensive 90-day review of U.S. foreign assistance programs. This directive has led to an immediate suspension of new foreign aid obligations and a halt on existing awards under Development Objective Agreements (DOAGs). The order emphasizes that U.S. foreign aid must align with American interests and values, potentially impacting a wide array of international programs, including those supporting disability inclusion in Africa.
The United States, primarily through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has been a pivotal supporter of disability inclusion initiatives across Africa. Since 2005, USAID’s Disability Program Fund has supported more than 150 programs and activities in 65 countries, working with various organizations and implementing partners. In many instances, these organizations are Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs)—civil society organizations run by and for persons with disabilities. Programming areas include democracy, human rights, and governance; economic growth and trade; and education; among others.
The suspension of foreign aid raises concerns about the continuity of these essential services. Programs that have been instrumental in providing inclusive education, vocational training, and healthcare services to persons with disabilities may face significant disruptions. The halt in funding could lead to delays in project implementation, reduction in services, and potential closure of programs that serve some of the most vulnerable populations.
It’s crucial to recognize the compounded challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of gender and disability. Women with disabilities often experience multiple layers of discrimination, limiting their access to education, employment, and healthcare. For instance, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor has previously funded programs aimed at increasing the agency of women with disabilities in West Africa, focusing on leadership development and advocacy skills.
The reevaluation of foreign aid could jeopardize such initiatives, exacerbating existing inequalities. Without targeted support, women with disabilities may find it increasingly difficult to overcome societal barriers, further marginalizing them within their communities.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for African governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to take proactive measures to sustain and advance disability inclusion:
- Domestic Resource Mobilization: Governments should allocate dedicated funding within national budgets to support disability inclusion programs, reducing reliance on external aid.
- Policy Implementation and Enforcement: Strengthen the enforcement of existing disability rights legislation and ensure that new policies are inclusive and effectively implemented.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government and private sector to fund and implement disability inclusion initiatives, leveraging corporate social responsibility programs.
- Capacity Building for Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs): Invest in building the capacity of DPOs to advocate for their rights, manage programs, and mobilize resources independently.
- Regional Collaboration: Foster regional cooperation to share best practices, resources, and strategies for disability inclusion across African nations.
The suspension and reevaluation of U.S. foreign aid present significant challenges for disability inclusion efforts in Africa. However, this juncture also offers an opportunity for African stakeholders to assert greater ownership and responsibility in promoting inclusive development.
About the Author
Dr. Arowolo Ayoola is the Founder of the Deaf-in-Tech Project and Lead Partner at Data-Lead Africa.
