The United States has confirmed it will continue providing key humanitarian and development assistance to Ethiopia, but under a newly restructured framework that places USAID operations under the direct oversight of the U.S. State Department.
In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, officials said the transition—effective July 1, 2025—was initiated as part of a broader foreign aid overhaul mandated by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The shift aims to “reduce duplication, strengthen accountability, and align foreign assistance with national security and foreign policy objectives,” according to the embassy.
While the operational structure is changing, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing programs in humanitarian relief, food security, and global health, which will now fall under corresponding State Department bureaus. The embassy emphasized that regionally responsive delivery will remain a priority.
Earlier in June, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga had addressed concerns over previous aid suspensions, noting that “89% of the previously programmed humanitarian aid will continue,” while 77% of overall U.S. assistance remains active. He highlighted the resumption of support for healthcare, agriculture, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of ongoing U.S. efforts in the country.
Ambassador Massinga also outlined a strategic pivot toward private sector engagement. “We’re moving from assistance to private sector engagement,” he said, citing growing partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing, as well as U.S. support for infrastructure developments like the planned Bishoftu International Airport.
The announcement offers a degree of reassurance amid widespread concerns over aid cuts and shifting U.S. priorities in the Horn of Africa. Despite the structural changes, the embassy stressed that U.S. support for Ethiopia’s development and humanitarian needs remains robust and long-term.
