The funding freeze imposed by the United States government in February 2025 led to the cancellation of a large number of USAID grants across Africa, placing critical health, sexual and reproductive rights, and gender equality programmes at risk. While a subsequent agreement committed US$1.6 billion to Kenya over five years, the broader reduction in global development funding has continued to strain health systems and social programmes across the continent.
According to Christabel Netondo, Senior Associate for Youth Engagement at Women Deliver, the funding shock has prompted African countries to respond with greater urgency and collective action. Governments and civil society organisations are increasingly collaborating across political lines to rethink domestic financing strategies and reduce dependence on external aid, strengthening resilience against future funding disruptions.
The move toward Africa-led solutions gained momentum during the African Regional Convening hosted by Sonke Gender Justice in Nairobi in November, ahead of Women Deliver 2026. The gathering brought together more than 200 youth advocates, feminist leaders, policymakers and grassroots organisations to promote African-driven approaches to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Kenya was highlighted as an example, with recent reforms to its Social Health Insurance Fund aimed at expanding healthcare access and strengthening domestic health financing.
Netondo also raised concerns about long-standing reliance on global development frameworks, arguing that some multilateral systems have failed to prioritise African needs and have perpetuated structural inequalities. She emphasised the importance of reasserting national development agendas and challenging models that continue to marginalise African voices in global decision-making.
Despite shrinking civic space, declining donor support and rising anti-rights rhetoric, African feminist movements and youth leaders are assuming stronger leadership roles. The Nairobi convening contributed to a global consultation process led by Women Deliver to co-create a Feminist Playbook focused on accountability and rebuilding systems that place women and girls at the centre of development. The Playbook was launched at the United Nations General Assembly in September following 15 regional consultations involving more than 250 participants worldwide.
Netondo expressed cautious optimism about Africa’s path forward, noting renewed focus on continental institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to guide public health priorities. She also pointed to the growing role of African philanthropy and alternative financing models, including initiatives supported by networks like the East Africa Philanthropy Network. She concluded that filling current funding gaps is achievable through stronger domestic commitment, complemented by carefully structured multilateral grants and concessional financing.
