The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has terminated grants worth over KSh 6.7 billion (approximately $51 million) across several African countries, including a technology-focused initiative in Kenya.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, April 8, by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federation body chaired by Elon Musk—the cancellations reflect a broader review of funding priorities and project performance across the continent.
In Kenya, a grant of KSh 6.3 million ($48,406) was scrapped. The funds had been earmarked for the development of a WhatsApp chatbot aimed at helping local businesses market their products more effectively. The project was part of USADF’s Learning Hub initiative, a digital platform developed in collaboration with Visa and Shift Impact Africa. The Learning Hub was designed to provide African entrepreneurs with access to business training and support tools.
“The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has terminated KSh 6.7 billion (around $51 million) in grants,” the statement noted, without elaborating on specific reasons for the mass cancellations.
Other impacted projects across Africa include:
- Burkina Faso: KSh 30 million ($229,296) grant cancelled, originally intended to promote 100% organic shea butter.
- Nigeria: KSh 11 million ($84,059) scrapped from a business incubator program for spa and wellness entrepreneurs.
- Benin: A KSh 31 million ($239,738) pineapple juice marketing project was axed.
- Ivory Coast: Lost KSh 32 million ($246,217) meant for mango drying facilities.
- Uganda: A yogurt production expansion project worth KSh 13 million ($99,566) was halted.
- Senegal: KSh 6.5 million ($50,000) grant cancelled, which had been intended to train farmers on dragon fruit cultivation.
Founded by the U.S. Congress in 1980, USADF operates as an independent U.S. government agency with a mission to support African-led development. It provides direct grants and technical support to grassroots organizations, small businesses, and cooperatives in Africa.
The foundation primarily focuses on economic empowerment through initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, women-led enterprises, and youth entrepreneurship. Its emphasis on localized solutions has made it a key partner in community development efforts across the continent.
The cancellation of these projects is likely to raise concerns among local beneficiaries and development stakeholders, especially in sectors already struggling with limited access to funding and market opportunities.