For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has operated across Africa under the banner of development assistance. With its departure under the Trump administration, many lamented its demise as a blow to progress on the continent. But to Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, former African Union ambassador to the United States, this was not a tragedy but an opportunity—an overdue wake-up call for Africa to reclaim its destiny.

Chihombori-Quao has long been a vocal critic of the Western aid model, questioning the tangible benefits of decades-long USAID programs in education, healthcare, and economic development. Despite the billions poured into African nations, the results have been far from transformative. Too often, these projects have not only fallen short of their promises but have also served as instruments of foreign influence, subtly steering African policies under the guise of environmental, human rights, and social justice agendas.

The former diplomat’s critique goes deeper than the failings of one organization. It is a rebuke of the broader aid-dependent mindset that has shaped Africa’s relationship with the West. She argues that for too long, African leaders have operated from a position of weakness—pleading for assistance, negotiating from a deficit, and accepting conditional aid that often compromises sovereignty. “It takes two to tango,” she asserts, making it clear that a one-sided engagement, where Africa remains the perpetual recipient, is unsustainable.

The end of USAID’s presence should not be mourned but rather seen as a moment for Africa to assert itself. It presents an opportunity for the continent’s leaders to chart a new course, one that prioritizes internal development over external dependency. The time has come to channel Africa’s vast resources into self-sustaining industries, invest in homegrown talent, and foster regional collaborations that serve African interests first.

A critical step in this direction is redefining Africa’s global partnerships. Instead of seeking aid, African nations must cultivate strategic alliances based on mutual respect and shared benefits. The continent is not without means—it boasts abundant natural wealth, a youthful and innovative population, and a growing regional market. What is needed is the political will to break free from the cycles of dependency and establish frameworks that empower Africans to build their own future.

Chihombori-Quao’s message is clear: Africa’s liberation will not come from the goodwill of foreign donors but from the deliberate choices of its people and leaders. The demise of USAID’s role in Africa should not be a moment of despair but one of realization—that the power to transform Africa lies within Africa itself.