USAID Invests $490 Million in Angola's Development Projects

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested a total of $490 million in development projects in Angola over the past five years and plans to continue its support, according to USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

The agency has already invested $255 million and intends to commit an additional $235 million to further advance Angola's development goals.

Power emphasized that the fight against corruption in Angola has created new opportunities for private sector investment and inclusive economic growth. USAID's investments are part of a bipartisan National Security Supplemental passed with overwhelming majorities in both houses of Congress, signaling the United States' commitment to maintaining global leadership and promoting stability, democracy, and compassion worldwide.

The agency's investments have already yielded significant results in Angola, particularly in the fight against malaria. In areas where the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) program has been implemented, Angola has seen a 29% reduction in malaria deaths since 2020. USAID is now expanding its malaria efforts to the Moxico province, where malaria prevalence is highest, by training health workers, providing access to malaria tests and treatments, and strengthening mosquito monitoring and testing capabilities.

Why this matters: USAID's substantial investment in Angola's development projects demonstrates the United States' commitment to fostering global stability and promoting inclusive economic growth. The agency's successful efforts in reducing malaria deaths and expanding its initiatives to high-risk areas underscore the importance of targeted, sustained support in achieving development goals.

During a recent visit to Angola, Power and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma met with government officials, civil society actors, medical researchers, and private sector representatives to discuss various issues, including civic space, the fight against corruption, and how American investment can drive inclusive economic growth, particularly in the agriculture sector and the development of the Lobito Corridor. The U.S. officials also met with President João Lourenço to discuss the U.S.-Angolan partnership and USAID's role in supporting the development of the Lobito Corridor, with a focus on investments in agricultural development, renewable energy, and transparency.

The $235 million investment planned by USAID aims to facilitate a transformational partnership in line with Angola's National Development Plan. The agency will disburse the first tranche of $12 million dollars to support the country under a 2024-2027 convention agreement with Angola, totalling $235 million. The funds will be used for projects to combat malaria and HIV/AIDS, promote family planning, and support the Women in Agriculture program. "The convention has three established goals: developing human capital, improving the business environment, and promoting the resilience of the Angolan people and systems," Power stated during her visit.

Key Takeaways

• USAID invested $490M in Angola over 5 years and plans $235M more.
• The fight against corruption created opportunities for private investment.
• Malaria deaths were reduced 29% in PMI areas, with efforts expanding to Mexico.
• USAID to disburse $12M to combat malaria, and HIV/AIDS, and support family planning.
• USAID partnership aims to develop human capital, and improve the business environment.