USAID WITHDRAWAL IN AFRICA: A META-ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITES

Abstract

This review synthesizes studies conducted on the economic, healthcare, and education difficulties and opportunities in the aftermath of USAID withdrawal in Africa to discuss the complex effects of donor exit on the institutional and socio-economic systems. The review assessed economic implications, benchmark adaptations to healthcare systems, determine the weak spots of education, examine alternative financing structures, and compare policy reactions after the USAID exit. A mixed-method investigations in sub-Saharan Africa, which were composed of econometric, qualitative, and policy examinations were used. Evidence shows that the difficulties of USAID withdrawal include moderate economic growth and fiscal gaps  but the resilience of health systems relies on the sustainable domestic financing, corruption reduction, and reinforced infrastructure. The effects of education sector are understudied yet may imply indirect interference related to health crises and reveal the necessity to harmonize health-educational investments. Innovative financing systems provide some very important opportunities to decrease the dependence on donors, depending on the political and institutional preparedness. Policy frameworks focus on better governance and multi-sector strategies, and evaluations of actions about the effectiveness of reforms are rare. The findings cumulatively support the need to employ a peculiar-sensitive design with integrated strategies to maintain health and education gains through a donor transition. The review guides policy and strategic actions to prepare sustainable domestic resource and institutional capacity needed to ameliorate negative economic and social impacts after the withdrawal of USAID in Africa.