The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) is shutting down its southern Africa office in Johannesburg due to a severe funding shortfall following the Trump administration’s decision to terminate 90 percent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. The agency will consolidate its southern and East Africa operations into a single regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, according to WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri.
Phiri stated that the move was part of a multiyear restructuring plan initiated in 2023, but funding constraints forced an acceleration of these efforts. Despite the office closure, food programs in the region will continue, and WFP remains committed to serving communities facing hunger. “Our commitment to serving vulnerable communities is as strong as ever,” Phiri said, emphasizing that the restructuring aims to maximize efficiency in food assistance operations.
The Trump administration’s decision to slash $60 billion in foreign aid spending has had widespread humanitarian consequences, particularly for U.N. agencies dependent on U.S. funding. The WFP, which received $4.4 billion from the U.S. last year—half of its total annual budget, is among the most affected organizations.
Drought and Hunger Crisis in Southern Africa
The funding crisis comes at a critical time for southern Africa, which is grappling with one of the worst droughts in decades. Countries such as Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Namibia have declared national drought disasters, with crop failures putting an estimated 27 million people at risk of hunger.
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Even before the U.S. aid cuts, the WFP had issued an urgent appeal for $147 million in donations to help feed those affected. The loss of American funding has raised concerns over whether these efforts can continue at the same scale.
WFP, which assists over 150 million people in 120 countries, has played a crucial role in providing food and cash assistance to populations affected by conflict, famine, and natural disasters. The agency also helps communities rebuild their livelihoods after crises. The closure of its southern Africa bureau raises fears about the impact on response times and logistical efficiency in the region.
Global Impact of U.S. Aid Cuts
The WFP is not the only U.N. agency affected by the drastic U.S. aid reduction. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reportedly cut 3,000 jobs linked to U.S. refugee resettlement programs. Similarly, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned that many of its family planning and maternal health initiatives could face severe disruptions.
Despite the uncertainty, many U.N. agencies are still assessing the full impact of the aid cuts and whether some projects may qualify for waivers that could allow certain U.S. funds to continue flowing. So far, few agencies have publicly detailed the extent of their financial losses.
The WFP, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, has historically had strong ties to the United States. Since 1992, all six of its executive directors have been American, including Cindy McCain, the widow of former U.S. Senator John McCain, who currently leads the agency.
Uncertain Future for Global Food Assistance
With the U.S. historically being the largest contributor to global food aid, its sudden withdrawal from international assistance programs is expected to have devastating effects on food security worldwide. Experts warn that the global hunger crisis could deepen, particularly in regions already struggling with conflict and climate-related food shortages.
Although the WFP insists that food distribution programs will continue, the reality remains uncertain. As Phiri noted, “The funding outlook has become constrained.” With the loss of nearly half its budget, the agency faces increasing pressure to secure alternative funding sources to prevent large-scale disruptions.
The Trump administration has justified the cuts by arguing that most foreign aid contracts do not align with U.S. national interests. However, critics argue that scaling back humanitarian assistance will have long-term geopolitical consequences, destabilizing vulnerable regions and creating new crises that could impact global security.
As the world faces a growing hunger emergency, the fate of millions remains uncertain. Without urgent intervention, experts warn that humanitarian organizations like WFP may struggle to meet the needs of those most at risk.