The United States and Ivory Coast have signed a health agreement committing $480 million from the U.S. to strengthen the West African nation’s healthcare sector. This deal, part of the “America First” global health funding initiative, reflects a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward transactional, partnership-based aid and comes amid previous aid cuts that have strained health systems across Africa.
The agreement focuses on critical areas including HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security. It represents the latest of similar agreements the U.S. has signed with over a dozen African countries, many of which had been affected by reductions in American aid.
Under the pact, Ivory Coast will also contribute up to 163 billion CFA francs (approximately $292 million) by 2030, covering about 60% of the total commitment. Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasized the shared responsibility model, while U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba highlighted a move away from traditional aid toward a framework emphasizing trade, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
The “America First” global health strategy, initiated under the Trump administration, aims to promote self-sufficiency in partner countries and eliminate what it views as inefficiencies and ideological influences in international assistance. This agreement effectively replaces prior aid structures managed by USAID, which had previously invested $115 million in Ivory Coast’s health, education, and refugee support programs.
Analysts note that this approach aligns with the broader U.S. foreign policy trend under Trump, focusing on direct negotiations with foreign governments to advance strategic objectives and foster more transactional, mutually accountable partnerships.
