Presidential Initiatives

USAID/East Africa programs will continue to focus on key global issues and special concerns, principally through Presidential and USAID Initiatives.  Funding under the Initiative to End Hunger in Africa (IEHA) and new funding through the Famine Fund will support the use of technologies, agricultural research and natural resource management.  As one of the four African Trade Hubs, USAID/East Africa has worked with regional trade associations helping to expand trade links with the United States under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).  As the region’s leader under the Trade for African Development and Enterprise Initiative (TRADE), USAID/East Africa expects to play a leading role in the new Africa Bureau Africa Growth and Competitiveness Initiative (AGCI) to expand trade and boost private sector development. Limited support for regional biodiversity programs will protect cross-border watersheds and ecosystems, working with bilateral missions, and Global Climate Change (GCC) vulnerability will be addressed by integration into key partners’ programs.  USAID/East Africa will also continue its participation in the Anti-Corruption Initiative. USAID/East Africa’s Regional HIV/AIDS program complements and supports bilateral programming in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) focus countries and in under-funded, non-focus countries.  Infectious Disease funding helps combat the spread of TB, Malaria, and emerging diseases, such as Avian Influenza (AI), in the region.  Finally, gender-based violence (GBV) a complex and challenging issue, particularly in fragile states and conflict areas, will be addressed across sectors.