For decades, USAID has been a lifeline for marginalized communities in Africa, providing critical support in healthcare, food security, education, and emergency response.

Its abrupt restructuring and potential merger with the U.S. State Department under the “America First” agenda will have devastating consequences for millions who rely on its programs.

A Blow to Lifesaving Humanitarian Programs

USAID’s annual budget exceeds $40 billion, a fraction of the U.S. government’s total spending but a significant portion of global development aid. In Africa, USAID is a key donor to NGOs working in some of the most vulnerable regions. Programs tackling malnutrition, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and malaria prevention are among the hardest hit by this freeze.

Even with emergency waivers issued for food and medicine, the uncertainty surrounding USAID’s future funding jeopardizes the very existence of these programs.

For instance, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which is largely funded through USAID, has saved millions of lives by providing antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV/AIDS. With funding now in limbo, African NGOs running these programs are left scrambling for alternative sources.

The potential loss of such initiatives could set back decades of progress in global health.

NGOs at Risk of Collapse

Beyond the immediate impact on beneficiaries, African NGOs that rely on USAID grants for operational costs now face an existential threat. Many of these organizations operate on tight budgets, and without consistent funding, mass layoffs and program shutdowns are inevitable.

This is especially alarming in rural and conflict-affected areas where USAID-backed NGOs often serve as the only source of essential services.

The effects will not be limited to those receiving aid—thousands of local employees working in the development sector risk losing their jobs. The withdrawal of U.S. assistance could create a ripple effect, leading to economic downturns in communities where NGOs are major employers.

Vulnerable Communities Will Suffer Most

Marginalized groups—including women, children, and refugees—will bear the brunt of this decision. Education programs that keep girls in school, maternal healthcare initiatives, and food assistance for displaced persons are all at risk.

In places like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where conflict has displaced millions, USAID is one of the largest providers of emergency aid. Without it, hunger, disease, and instability will escalate.

The uncertainty over which programs will resume after the 90-day review period only deepens fears among humanitarian organizations.

A Shift in Global Influence

The USAID freeze also opens the door for geopolitical shifts. As the U.S. pulls back, other global players, particularly China, may expand their influence in Africa.

Beijing has already been increasing its presence on the continent through infrastructure projects and development financing. With USAID stepping back, China could seize the opportunity to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with African nations.

While African governments will welcome any new partnerships, the sudden withdrawal of U.S. assistance highlights a troubling reality—American foreign policy is becoming increasingly unpredictable, making it a less reliable partner for long-term development.

The Need for Urgent Alternatives

As USAID undergoes this drastic transition, African NGOs must urgently seek alternative funding sources. The European Union, private philanthropic organizations, and regional development banks may need to step in to fill the void.

However, securing alternative funding is neither immediate nor guaranteed, leaving a dangerous gap in service delivery.

Meanwhile, African governments must re-evaluate their dependency on foreign aid. Strengthening local funding mechanisms and investing in self-sustaining development programs will be critical in mitigating the impact of this crisis.

The post USAID Freeze Poses A Crisis for Africa’s NGOs and Marginalized Communities appeared first on .

Statistics have indicated that about 800,000 youths join the labor market every year. On the same note, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports have indicated that Kenya is not generating enough job vacancies and platforms for youth employment. Further reports show that youth unemployment rate in Kenya saw no significant changes in 2022 compared to the previous year 2021, as the rankings remained at around 13.35 percent; devastating.

Among many factors that contribute to joblessness, financial indiscipline is the main factor. The big question is, how best can our youths spend and invest the little money earned?

Entrepreneurs have confirmed that for one to grow financially independent, financial discipline remains the key. It has been linked to multiple benefits that come with it. Financial discipline ranges from making informed decisions on money to prioritizing needs. It involves spending, investing, and saving while avoiding unnecessary expenditures and budgets. This further calls for frugality at times.

Financial stress among the youths is what has been pushing many to engage in crime like robbery and drug abuse. Well, financial discipline reduces financial stress by putting one in a position to control his own finances. Both researchers and entrepreneurs have shown that by avoiding unnecessary expenditures and expenses and saving and investing consistently, individuals are in a safe place to build a strong financial foundation for their future. This therefore calls for an early start for one to take advantage of the impact and magic of compound interest.

We are all aware that our students in higher learning institutions are funded by loans and grants but still come out financially unstable. This is because many indulge in wasteful activities like partying, alcoholism, and expensive lifestyles while remaining with little or nothing left to save. They forget to spend after saving and instead save after saving. Later on, they come out while under debts to be paid back marking the onset of financial anxiety and pressure.

In addition, our youths should be taught how to start and run the business properly. With the waving and ever-changing market climate, it’s unpredictable whether one can secure employment soon after graduation. Every youth should be flexible enough to look for an opportunity to set and run a business that will see him survive in this hard economy. Self-discipline and financial discipline keep in check to manage, save, and plan for the future with the little money earned.

According to a report released by the United Nations, it indicated that youth are 33% less likely to have a savings account than adults and 44% less likely to save in a formal institution. Furthermore, the reported showed that saving-account penetration rates for youth vary by geographical region, ranging from 12% in Africa to 50% in East Asia and the Pacific.

We have Saccos, partnerships, and organizations that offer savings services, not forgetting our own banks. Both of these, with an interest rate ranging from above 7 per cent to 10 percent. This is favorable when viewing the inflation rates. Youths should create a habit of joining these institutions and applying for saving accounts that offer reasonable interest rates.

Stakeholders in the market industry and financial sectors should come out in large numbers and continually create programs that target the youths in particular. This kind of stakeholder engagement will later reduce Kenya’s poor savings culture that is rated at 12 per cent, way below Africa’s average of 17 per cent.

After all these, we will have youths who are financially strong to beat any calamity that may arise like that of Corona that led to massive destruction of the economy. Let’s all have in mind that the future of our economy lies in the current youths and proper impartation of financial literacy in them, teaching of financial discipline and literacy among the youths to beat joblessness should also be a matter of priority.

The post Cultivate Financial Discipline and Literacy Among Youths to Beat Joblessness appeared first on .

This gender gap not only denies women the opportunity to bring different perspectives and talents to the table, but it also impedes the effectiveness and accuracy of data-based decision-making. Now more than ever it is essential to overcome these obstacles and create pathways for women to thrive in statistics.

In Kenya, like many other parts of the world, women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are still under-represented. According to recent Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KNBS) data, only 30% of STEM professionals in Kenya are women.

This is not only a result of gender inequality, but also a missed opportunity to unlock the full potential of human capital. Women make up less than 30% of those enrolled in universities. This percentage is even lower in specific fields such as Engineering and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

While health sciences have a higher percentage of female students, there is a worrying “leakage” of girls losing interest in STEM during their education. The KNBS data highlights the need for early interventions to motivate girls and close the gender gap in Kenya STEM.

Increasing diversity in STEM fields, particularly by including more women and people from underrepresented groups, is crucial. Diverse experiences and backgrounds lead to a wider range of perspectives when approaching problem-solving and data analysis. This fosters a more inclusive scientific and technological landscape, ultimately resulting in more comprehensive and impactful solutions.

Furthermore, tackling the urgent problems facing our society requires a greater presence of women in STEM fields. Data is essential for guiding policies and interventions in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, economics, and environmental sustainability.

One runs the danger of missing important details that disproportionately affect women and other marginalized groups if there aren’t a variety of viewpoints represented in the data and statistical analysis. We can close these disparities and guarantee the efficacy and equity of data-driven solutions by encouraging more women to seek jobs in statistics.

Fostering gender diversity in STEM fields is not only a social justice issue, but also a business need. Research indicates that businesses and establishments with a varied workforce perform better than those with a less diverse workforce. Businesses can improve innovation, problem-solving, and overall performance by utilizing a larger talent pool. Within the statistical domain, this entails obtaining fresh perspectives, enhancing the calibre of data, and finally promoting more effective decision-making procedures throughout many economic domains.

However, it will take coordinated efforts from several stakeholders to remove the obstacles preventing women from participating in statistics. It begins with tackling cultural norms and institutional prejudices, including statistics, that deter women from pursuing professions in STEM fields. Nurturing talent and promoting inclusion need that aspirant women in STEM be given mentorship, training, and support systems.

Additionally, initiatives to advance gender equality in STEM education and employment must also be put in place by legislators and educational institutions. This entails funding outreach initiatives, mentorship programs, and grants designed to inspire young girls to pursue education and employment in statistics and related subjects.

The underrepresentation of women in STEM is a complex problem that has to be addressed immediately. We can fully realize the potential of more women enrolling in STEM programs and use data to influence positive social change by dismantling barriers and promoting an inclusive atmosphere.

It’s not just about achieving gender parity; it’s about leveraging diversity to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

The post Breaking Barriers for a Data-Driven Future by Empowering Women in STEM appeared first on .

“Tigray has handed over its heavy weapons as part of its commitment to implementing the #Pretoria agreement” that was signed between Ethiopia’s government and Tigrayan rebels, Tigray People’s Liberation Front spokesperson Getachew Reda tweeted Wednesday.

“We hope & expect this will go a long way in expediting the full implementation of the agreement. We hope & expect!”

The move is a central part of the 12 November 2022 ceasefire agreement which seeks to end conflict that killed thousands of people and misplaced millions, alongside the restoration of services. It also includes the resumption of humanitarian aid and withdrawal of Eritrean Troops, who fought alongside Ethiopia’s army but were party to the truce.

At the handover ceremony, Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) representative Mulugeta Gebrechristos said the start of the disarmament would play a major role in restoring peace.

“We are operating with the belief that if we are to have peace, all things that open the door for provocation must not be there. Peace is vital for us all,” Mulugeta said in a speech broadcast on the local Tigrai TV.

“We are all [part of] one Ethiopia. Both us and the TDF have moved from our respective defensive positions in peace, understanding and love,” Aleme Tadesse, a representative of the Ethiopian army, said.

The decision for Eritrea to leave Tigray was reached after a delegation of Ethiopian government officials for the first time toured Mekelle on 29 November 2022, the capital of Tigray since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA).

An Ethiopian official confirmed under condition of anonymity that Eritrean soldiers had withdrawn from Axum and Shire

Dozens of trucks carrying Eritrean soldiers left Axum and Shire cities heading towards the border of Eritrea on 31 Thursday 2022. Three aid workers in Axum and Shire also confirmed witnessing several trucks and dozens of cars packed with Eritrean soldiers on Thursday leaving towards the border town of Sheraro.

The withdrawal followed the November 2, 2022 peace agreement that was signed by both Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigray Regional party, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Which consisted of various provisions including permanent cessation of hostilities and the removal of foreign troops and non-federal forces from Tigray.

An Ethiopian government delegation, including the prime minister’s national security adviser Redwan Hussein and several ministers, visited Tigray’s capital Mekelle on 26 December, marking a major step in the peace process.

A few days later, on 29 December, mediators of the Ethiopian Tigray peace deal, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and the former President of Nigeria Olesegun Obasanjo and other African Union negotiators met in Ethiopia to evaluate the Pretoria agreement that was signed on 2 November.

According to an Ethiopian government statement, the delegation visited the Tigrayan capital Mekelle to supervise the implementation of major issues in the peace agreement signed on November 2.

The Tigrayan spokesman Getachew Reda on twitter described the visit as a milestone in the peace agreement saying that the discussions held were fruitful and important understanding was reached.

The 2-year war that raged in all four regions of Ethiopia started when Abiy Ahmed deployed the army to arrest Tigrayan leaders who had been challenging his authority for months and whom he accused of attacking federal military bases.

The fighting has stopped since November’s peace deal, the rebels claiming to have disengaged 65 percent of their fighters from the front lines.

But Tigrayans have denounced the atrocities they say have been committed by Eritrea’s army and the forces of Ethiopia’s neighboring Amhara region, which have supported the federal army in the conflict.

Tigrayan authorities, as well as residents and aid workers who spoke to the AFP news agency, accuse them of looting, rape, executions and abductions of civilians.

With access to Tigray restricted, it is impossible to independently verify the situation on the ground, including the presence of Eritrean forces.

Humanitarian operations have been ramped up since the peace deal, but the amount of food and medical aid being delivered remains far below the enormous needs.

Mekelle was connected to the national power grid on December 6.

Ethiopia’s main bank CBE said on December 19 that it was resuming operations in some towns, and telephone communications with the region have begun to be restored.

The war has displaced more than two million Ethiopians and left more than 13.6 million people dependent on humanitarian aid in northern Ethiopia, the UN said.

It also, according to the UN, plunged hundreds of thousands of people into near-famine conditions.

The two-year war did not only destroy lives and properties but families and relationships and the trust of the people within and outside the country that will take years to recover.

The post Ethiopia’s Tigray Region May Finally Be Looking Up To Long-Term Peace appeared first on .