HEALTH

Southern Africa remains the region of the world most severely affected by HIV/AIDS. The burden of the epidemic in the region is staggering; in several countries more than a fifth of the adult population is infected with HIV/AIDS. USAID collaborates with regional and international organizations, such as UNAIDS, the South African Development Community, the international donor community, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other U.S. government agencies to provide quality treatment and prevention; strengthen health systems; and provide relief and assistance to orphans and vulnerable children. 

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TRADE

Increased trade and open markets are the key components to economic growth and poverty reduction.  USAID’s Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub increases international competitiveness, intra-regional trade and food security in Southern Africa.  The Trade Hub has introduced a range of modern trade facilitation tools including customs connectivity solutions, one-stop border posts, coordinated border management, trusted trader programs, and national single windows.  

USAID’s regional activities support the Feed the Future Initiative, through country-led plans, strategic coordination, result-based programs, and partnerships to enhance regional food security. 

DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND GOVERNANCE

Multi-party democracy has more popular support in the region than any other form of governance. However, democratic values and practices remain shallowly rooted, and progress toward democratic consolidation is slow. We strengthen the legitimacy and capacity of key governmental institutions, and build the capacity of civil society groups and regional organizations to advocate for the protection of human rights.

ENVIRONMENT

Our programs promote sustainable economic growth in targeted areas by integrating climate change into policy and decision making, to ensure sound management of trans-boundary natural resources. Our work supports various congressional and executive priorities to protect biodiversity and combat wildlife crime; advance water supply and sanitation services; promote strategic investments and partnerships, and; foster collaborative, transboundary cooperation to reduce drivers of insecurity.  We enhance resiliency of critical river basins in Southern Africa, such as the Okavango, Limpopo and Orange-Senqu River Basins.  

We promote the adoption of innovative, science-based solutions to support vibrant and ecologically sustainable development.  This includes innovative research on renewable energy solutions, combating invasive aquatic species, and rehabilitating coral reefs.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISSTANCE

The USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance supports bilateral missions that are facing disasters or crises (e.g. droughts, floods, cyclones), while Food for Peace provides food assistance to address food insecurity and combat malnutrition in children and mothers.