The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Monday that it will be closing its southern African office due to severe financial constraints, a move that reflects broader shifts in global aid funding. WFP, which has traditionally relied on contributions from the United States for nearly half of its annual budget, is facing challenges as the U.S. reduces its foreign aid spending under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy.
WFP’s regional spokesperson, Tomson Phiri, confirmed that the organization will merge its eastern and southern African operations into a single hub managed out of Nairobi, Kenya. This consolidation will not impact ongoing country operations in Southern Africa, where the WFP continues to provide vital support to millions of people affected by drought and food insecurity.
“While we are restructuring our regional operations, it is important to emphasize that the frontline efforts to assist those in need will continue as planned,” said Phiri. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar we receive is maximized to support the people who need it most.”
Phiri did not directly attribute the office closure to the Trump administration’s cuts in foreign aid, but acknowledged that the overall outlook for donor funding has become increasingly constrained. The United States, which has been a major donor to the WFP, has significantly reduced its foreign aid contracts as part of broader cuts to international assistance, including a 90% reduction in funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts total more than $58 billion in global U.S. aid.
Despite the financial challenges, the WFP remains committed to its mission in Southern Africa. The organization has been on the frontlines of addressing food insecurity in the region, which is currently experiencing devastating drought conditions that have left millions of people reliant on food aid.
The U.S. reductions are part of a broader trend of cuts to foreign aid under the current administration, which has consistently prioritized domestic spending over international assistance. This shift has raised concerns among aid organizations, which warn that such cuts will deepen humanitarian crises in regions already grappling with poverty, climate change, and conflict.
The WFP’s decision to consolidate operations comes at a critical time, as the agency works to address the growing food crisis in Southern Africa. While WFP’s long-term operations will continue, the reduction in funding and the closure of regional offices signal a potentially significant setback for humanitarian aid efforts worldwide. The WFP and other aid organizations are now left to navigate an uncertain future as they work to maintain support for the most vulnerable populations.
