In 2025, U.S. foreign aid to several African countries has dropped to near zero, with some receiving no assistance at all. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continues to scale back or halt operations across the continent due to shifting priorities, political concerns, and evolving policy directions.
The change follows a 90-day freeze on foreign aid initiated by President Donald Trump shortly after taking office. An executive order signed by Trump suspended all USAID funding during a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
The cuts have severely impacted countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. The DRC alone received nearly $1.3 billion in 2024, funding critical health and humanitarian programmes.
Read also: Full list: Top 10 countries that received the most from USAID
While temporary waivers have allowed select life-saving initiatives to continue, most projects remain under threat. Analysts suggest the decline may push some countries toward alternative partners such as China, the EU, or the Gulf states, while others consider paths toward economic self-reliance in the face of waning Western support.
According to the U.S. foreign assistance data portal, here are the top 10 African countries that received the least U.S. financial aid in 2025, based on their official disbursement data.
1. Equatorial Guinea — U.S. funding received: $0
Equatorial Guinea topped the list with no financial support from the U.S. in 2025. The country has had limited engagement with USAID in recent years and remains outside most major U.S.-backed development programmes.
2. Eritrea — U.S. funding received: $0
Eritrea also received no aid. Long-standing restrictions and minimal diplomatic ties have left the country largely excluded from U.S. development assistance.
Read also: How USAID shutdown will impact Nigeria
3. Gabon — U.S. funding received: $0
Despite its oil wealth and strategic location, Gabon recorded zero U.S. aid in 2025, showing how certain governments are now operating without support from traditional Western partners.
4. Guinea-Bissau —U.S. funding received: $0
Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s smallest economies, received no U.S. aid. Political instability may be a factor behind the absence of support.
5. Mauritius — U.S. funding received: $0
Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector and ties with Asian economies, did not receive any funding from the U.S. this year. It has largely shifted its development strategy away from aid.
6. São Tomé and Príncipe — U.S. funding received: $0
The small island nation off Central Africa received no U.S. financial assistance in 2025, joining others on the list with zero recorded disbursements.
7. Seychelles — U.S. funding received: $0
Like Mauritius, Seychelles saw no U.S. aid this year. The country has focused on tourism and environmental sustainability, supported by other partners.
Read also: USAID funding freeze and Nigeria’s buffer measures
8. Cabo Verde — U.S. funding received: $3,844
Cabo Verde received just under $4,000 in 2025. The amount reflects limited U.S. activity on the islands, with most programmes wrapped up in previous years.
9. Comoros — U.S. funding received: $113,788
Comoros received just over $100,000—modest support in comparison to most African nations. The country remains low on the list of U.S. priorities in the region.
10. The Gambia — U.S. funding received: $409,280
The Gambia rounds out the list with the highest amount among the least-aided countries. While the figure is higher than others on the list, it is still far below regional averages.
