No aid, new game. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend all foreign aid funded by the State Department and USAID signals a dramatic shift in US foreign policy—and raises the stakes in the global competition for influence in Africa.
- This USAID freeze comes when China and Russia are aggressively expanding their footprint on the continent.
- Critics see the move as a blow to US soft power.
- Yet, for many in Africa, it also presents an opportunity to rethink a dependency-driven aid model that has often weakened local institutions.
A momentum for the Mattei Plan? “The new scenario unfolding after the USAID freeze could not be more favourable to the Mattei Plan,” says Ebenezer Obadare, Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, in an interview with Decode39.
- He highlights that Italy’s strategy—focused on African-inspired and African-led initiatives in sectors such as health, energy, education, agriculture, and infrastructure—fits perfectly with the current moment.
- “When you consider how strongly and favourably the Mattei Plan speaks of African agency, one could legitimately conclude that Rome stole a march on Washington,” he adds.
- Obadare further argues that if Italy had doubts about the Mattei Plan’s direction, the recent events in Washington should confirm that it was right all along.
Collaboration is key. While Italy is uniquely positioned to leverage the Mattei Plan, Obadare cautions that success will depend on broader cooperation.
- Italy must work closely with other EU countries, especially regarding migration challenges.
- Equally important is engaging African partners and convincing them that a genuinely equal, mutually respectful partnership will benefit all parties.
What we’re watching. The end of US aid dominance in Africa could begin a new era centred on sovereignty, trade, and African initiative.
- Italy’s commitment to the Mattei Plan places it in a strong position to lead this pivot.
- On Thursday, 27 March, the Italian government will host a meeting to assess the progress of the Mattei Plan, review launched projects, gather feedback, evaluate early impacts, and announce upcoming initiatives.
