This brief discussion of United States economic aid to Africa has been compiled as a factual summary rather than an analysis or critical evaluation of present programs. A general description of economic aid, and of the activities of the Agency for International Development, is followed by a more detailed note on a country program in operation, that in the Sudan.
Although not the largest single donor in Africa, the U.S. Government in fiscal 1962 and again in fiscal 1963 provided about $500 million in economic assistance to 34 African countries. Surplus food and fiber under the Food for Peace Program accounted for nearly half of this aid. In contrast, other Free World government sources provided about $1, 200 million, and the Sino-Soviet Bloc extended $200 to $250 million in credits. Thus, the U.S. contributed roughly one-fourth of Africa's $2 billion in annual external economic assistance from government sources. In addition important contributions were made by U.S. private foundations, religious organizations, and other nongovernment groups. U.S. direct investments in “AID Africa” rose to about $800 million in 1962 from about $100 million in 1950.