Democracy, Governance and Conflict
The Horn of Africa is characterized by internal and cross-border conflicts that have resulted in an increased flow of migrants as well as food insecurity and underdevelopment. In recent years, regional governments have made greater collaborative efforts; however, few states have the capacity to effectively administer their remote and expansive border areas. USAID is helping to create a regional framework for conflict prevention, mitigation and response, and is strengthening the capacity of African institutions to reduce cross border insecurity. Our work promotes stability in the region by strengthening the relationship between communities and local governments in cross-border areas and improving the ability of regional and national institutions to respond rapidly and effectively to conflict.
Health Population and Nutrition
East African countries continue to face health challenges including large numbers of maternal and child deaths and the adverse effects of infectious diseases. Each country faces challenges within their health system that hinder governments’ capacity to meet the needs of its most vulnerable people. African leaders and health experts recognize the necessity of regional approaches in controlling communicable diseases, harmonizing policies and standards, and sharing best practices that are proven to address common health risks that transcend borders. USAID helps strengthen the ability of regional institutions and health policies and systems for marginalized and cross-border populations in the region.
Environment
East Africa is endowed with a wealth of natural resources, including some of the most spectacular wildlife and ecosystems in the world. When managed effectively and equitably, these vast yet fragile land, water and wildlife resources can contribute to the national economy and improve the lives of local communities. However, the pressure of growing human populations coupled with changing weather patterns, rampant wildlife poaching and trafficking, and disjointed management of shared natural resources threatens the conservation of this natural ‘capital.’ USAID is improving the ability of regional intergovernmental organizations to lead the responsible use of natural resources and position member states and communities to leverage the benefits of conservation.
Office of Economic Growth and Integration
The U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future, seeks to reduce the prevalence of poverty and childhood stunting (a measure of undernutrition) by 20 percent each in the areas where we work. Resilience activities build capacities of vulnerable communities to adapt to, mitigate, and recover from shocks and stressors without compromising future well-being, thus reducing the need for humanitarian assistance in response to future crises. Power Africa partners with many of the leading private sector companies engaged in the power sector in sub-Saharan Africa. These partners share the U.S. Government’s vision for working together to reach the common goal of increasing access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, and are willing to commit their resources and expertise to make this vision a reality.
Trade
USAID supports regional initiatives that improve market information, increase access to inputs, and reduce non-tariff barriers that can hinder trade across borders. It also advances the Feed the Future initiative goals to increase access, availability and utilization of East African-grown staple foods in the region.
Education and Youth
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) supports young people to drive growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. There are three programs under the initiative in Kenya and East Africa: The Mandela Washington Fellowship provides skills and support for young African leaders through training and coursework at 40 U.S. universities and The Regional Leadership Center for East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya which has trained thousands of young leaders from 14 East and Central African countries in business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management.
Humanitarian Assistance
The Regional Office of Food for Peace (FFP) supports or directly manages food assistance operations in 14 countries in East and Central Africa. Humanitarian needs - specifically food insecurity - in this region have been rising at an unprecedented rate due to cyclical drought, political insecurity, prolonged conflicts, environmental degradation and disease outbreaks. USAID focuses its efforts on improving food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable populations by providing life-saving humanitarian and development assistance. FFP and its partners aim to reduce hunger and malnutrition and provide access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy and productive life.