Gambiaj.com – (WASHINGTON, DC) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday requested congressional approval for a \$3.2 billion contribution to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), even as his administration proposed eliminating all U.S. funding to the African Development Fund (ADF), a key financing arm of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The IDA provides low- or zero-interest loans to the world’s poorest countries. Trump’s pledge, which would be disbursed over three years, was welcomed by global finance experts, who had feared that his administration might entirely withdraw from the initiative.

“This contribution to the IDA comes as a welcome surprise,” said one international finance expert, adding that it shows a continued U.S. interest in global poverty alleviation—at least through selected multilateral channels.

However, this seemingly generous gesture to the World Bank was accompanied by a more controversial and largely under-reported decision.

In its 2026 budget proposal sent to Congress, the Trump administration called for a complete halt to American contributions to the African Development Fund.

The proposal also targets \$555 million in total cuts to U.S. contributions to African multilateral institutions, including the AfDB.

The budget document justifies the cuts by stating that these institutions do not align with “administration priorities.” The Trump administration says it wants to steer U.S. foreign aid away from what it labels “radical” or “ideological” areas—such as climate change, gender equality, and governance—and instead channel resources into “profitable investment instruments” managed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

The impact on Africa could be severe. The ADF plays a vital role in funding essential projects in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and climate resilience. By cutting support, the U.S. risks creating a gaping hole in the financing of crucial development initiatives across the continent.

Critics warn that the decision undermines U.S. influence in African development at a critical time, when the continent’s financing needs are more pressing than ever. “This sends an alarming signal,” said one African policy analyst. “Pulling out of the African Development Fund just when Africa needs support the most will weaken America’s standing and open the door for other powers to fill the void.”

While Trump’s request for IDA contributions may reassure some international partners, the simultaneous retreat from African-focused development raises serious questions about the long-term direction of U.S. global engagement under his leadership.