USAID Administrator Samantha Power’s end-of-tenure speech at the Center for Global Development (CGD) emphasized the strategic importance of USAID’s work to national security. Entitled, “America’s Ground Game: How USAID is Changing and Why It Matters,” makes the case that geopolitical competitors know that USAID is key to the U.S.’s influence in the world. USAID’s work in strengthening economies, democracies, and institutions is recognized by U.S. adversaries, who understand its role in building critical supply chains, opening markets, and enhancing U.S. standing and security. Administrator Power stated that there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for USAID, and described how the agency has made significant investments and reforms aimed at making the agency more responsive, efficient, and catalytic in its efforts.
- Responsiveness: USAID is adapting to conflict, natural disasters, and economic pressures despite most of its funding being tied to Congressional earmarks, which limits discretionary funding. They are working with Congress to support countries in managing debt and developing their economies. Additionally, USAID is launching an Office of Digital Technology to help partner countries digitize their economies and improve resilience to cyber threats.
- Efficiency: To maximize the impact of limited resources, USAID is reducing bureaucratic burdens, streamlining processes, and elevating the fight against waste and corruption through the new Anti-Corruption Center. The Office of the Chief Economist focuses on cost-effective approaches, program impact, and efficient use of taxpayer money. The Administrator aims for USAID to be nimbler, leaner, and smarter in responding to global challenges.
- Catalytic Efforts: USAID empowers local changemakers and relies on Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), who make up the majority of its workforce, as a competitive advantage on the National Security Council. USAID’s relationships with local civil society, government and private sector leaders are also essential to its effectiveness. USAID is engaging with foundations, the diaspora, multilateral development banks, and the private sector to bring in additional resources and skills. USAID aims to drive broader, sustainable change through effective resource management and impactful policy reforms.
The Administrator concluded her speech by highlighting how USAID’s efficient, transformative response to Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, demonstrates their ability to pivot quickly and leverage assistance effectively. These elements will be important as USAID will need to continue to justify its independence from State in the new Administration.
