Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged African nations to view former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid as a wake-up call to prioritize self-reliance and effective resource management.
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In a viral video on Wednesday, Kenyatta challenged African nations to stop depending on foreign donations, emphasizing that the decision should prompt introspection rather than outrage.
He criticized those who lamented the aid suspension, reminding them that Africa must take responsibility for its own development rather than relying on handouts.
“I saw some people the other day crying about Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid to African nations. Why are they crying? It is not your government and it is definitely not your country.
He has no reason to give you anything, you do not pay taxes in America. This is a wake-up call to Africa to ask what we can do to help ourselves instead of crying.
We should ask ourselves what we are going to do to support ourselves. It is time for us to use our resources for the right thing because we are the ones using these resources for the wrong things,” Kenyatta stated.
Trump’s recent executive order, issued under his ‘America First’ agenda, halts U.S. foreign aid to ensure its alignment with American interests.
The move has sparked concerns across Africa, particularly in nations like Nigeria, which has long benefited from substantial U.S. assistance.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people, faces potential economic repercussions from the aid suspension.
The country has historically relied on foreign assistance for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Analysts warn that the halt in funding could strain Nigeria’s already fragile economy and worsen social challenges.
Kenyatta’s remarks have fueled debates on Africa’s economic independence, with many agreeing that the continent must leverage its vast natural and human resources to drive sustainable development.
As the effects of Trump’s decision unfold, African leaders may need to reassess their economic strategies and strengthen intra-continental partnerships to reduce dependency on foreign aid.