KAMPALA – A Ugandan social entrepreneur believes Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid could be a blessing in disguise, allowing for a long-overdue overhaul of the “outdated” aid system.
Haril Kazindra, co-founder of Musana, a thriving charity that employs 700 staff across Uganda, welcomes the move as a chance for America to rethink its approach to supporting other countries.
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The US State Department this week issued a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance and paused new aid, according to an internal memo sent to officials and US embassies abroad.
The notice follows President Trump’s executive order issued on Monday for a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.
The United States is the world’s biggest international aid donor spending $68bn in 2023 according to government figures. The State Department notice appears to affect everything from development assistance to military aid.
Kazindra argues that traditional aid models have created dependency on further funding and failed to empower local communities to lead and thrive on their own. “Africa doesn’t need a hand-out, it needs investment and partnership to bring true change,” he emphasizes.
Musana, which Kazindra founded with his wife Andrea in 2008, serves as a shining example of sustainable development.
The organization runs 19 social enterprises, including schools, hospitals, and hotels, reaching 60,000 people per year. Notably, Musana operates without relying on regular donations, having turned a profit of $500,000 last year, which was reinvested into further expansion.
Kazindra’s vision for a more sustainable and locally-led approach to development aligns with the sentiments of many experts who argue that traditional aid models are in need of reform.
As the Trump administration reviews the efficiency and alignment of USAID’s $50 billion budget with foreign policy, Kazindra’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the potential benefits of a more innovative and collaborative approach to international development.
