Governments and local non-state actors worldwide are scrambling to recruit skilled professionals who previously worked with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects, whose expertise in managing complex global initiatives has become a prized commodity.
President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday ordered the closure of a US agency that invested billions in African and other developing countries’ infrastructure in return for good governance, effectively ceding ground to China.
Trump has made clear he has limited interest in sub-Saharan Africa and that he opposes development aid, which he sees as not directly benefiting the United States, earlier shutting the US Agency for International Development, a much larger government body.
African Nations that act swiftly stand to gain a transformative edge in tackling pressing challenges like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
USAID, America’s flagship for global aid, spearheaded ambitious projects to combat climate change, strengthen public health systems, and uplift communities.
These multi-million-dollar programs relied on a cadre of elite professionals—project managers, policy analysts, and sector specialists—who bring years of experience to ensure success. Their ability to navigate intricate budgets, oversee large-scale operations, and deliver measurable results has made them indispensable.
Now, countries are waking up to the potential of these workers to supercharge national development. “The professionals are a goldmine of expertise,” said Mr. Yunus Kamau, a development communication specialist based in Nairobi.
“Their skills can bridge critical gaps in public sector capacity, especially in developing nations in East Africa,” he said.
The market for the experts is fiercer than ever. International organizations, local nonprofits, and even county governments are vying for the same pool of professionals, whose mastery of program management, financial oversight, and impact evaluation is in short supply.
For governments, particularly in the Global South, securing these workers has become a strategic priority to fast-track progress on sustainable development goals.
In countries like Ghana and Somalia, where public sector expertise often lags behind ambitious national agendas, USAID workers offer a lifeline.
Kenya has immensely contributed to the human capital serving in many of this projects.
Their track record of steering high-stakes projects to success has made them uniquely equipped to transform local governance and service delivery.
For forward-thinking governments, including our county governments talent represents more than a quick fix—it’s a catalyst for systemic change.
By offering competitive salaries, clear career paths, and dynamic work environments, nations can position themselves as top destinations for these in-demand professionals.
In return, they gain access to innovative strategies and best practices honed on the global stage.
Take Rwanda, for example. By recruiting USAID veterans to its health ministry, the country has streamlined aid utilization, cutting waste and boosting outcomes in maternal care.
“These professionals don’t just manage projects; they teach us how to think bigger,” says Jean-Paul in Kigali.
Beyond immediate gains, the workers bring a long-term dividend: skills transfer.
Through mentorship and hands-on training, they empower local teams to master project execution, adopt cutting-edge techniques, and tackle challenges independently. The capacity-building will be a game-changer for nations aiming to reduce reliance on external aid.
In Malawi, USAID-trained local staff have taken the reins of education reform, implementing data-driven policies that have lifted literacy rates. “The knowledge these experts share stays with us,” says Idris Mohamed, a Lilongwe-based curriculum development consultant. “It’s an investment in our future.”
The global demand for local talent surges, governments face a narrowing window to act. Those that hesitate risk losing out to competitors offering better incentives. Prioritizing recruitment, fostering skills transfer, and building robust local workforces can help nations harness the expertise needed to unlock their development potential.
“The time to move is now,” warns Kamau. “In a world where talent drives progress, USAID professionals are the key to a brighter, more resilient future.”
For governments ready to seize this opportunity, the message is clear: scramble for the best talent—or risk being left behind.
