Where We Work

Speeches Shim

Through our assistance programs, USAID plays an active and critical role in the promotion of U.S. foreign policy interests. The investment we make in developing countries has long-term benefits for America and the American people. Development now takes its place alongside defense and diplomacy as the three essential components of American foreign policy.

Learn more about USAID's work in Africa

Africa

Today, Africans are the architects of their development, not just beneficiaries. Donors support their plans, they do not dictate them.

Learn more about USAID's work in Asia

Asia

USAID plays a vital role in partnering with the countries of Asia to ensure that the development decisions they make today help realize their long-term success by moving them forward on their journeys to self-reliance. We define this end-goal as the day when they are able to plan, finance and implement solutions to solve their own development challenges. We focus on fostering inclusive and equitable growth, promoting and strengthening democratic institutions, and improving natural resource management, which are key to helping partner countries achieve sustainable self-reliance. Our actions to help shape a more stable and prosperous Asia region advance U.S. security and economic priorities, including those outlined in the National Security Strategy, Indo-Pacific Strategy and South Asia Strategy.

Learn about USAID's work in Europe and Eurasia

Europe and Eurasia

Having emerged from decades of authoritarian rule, most of Europe and Eurasia has embraced political and economic reform, leading to vibrant growth and inspiring democratic transformations. But development challenges still slow the area’s growth and transformation into a region that is whole, free and at peace. USAID continues to address the pervasive corruption, political stagnation, significant poverty and undeveloped policy and regulatory environments that hold the region back. As a region of increasing economic importance, our investments help support American trade and investment. And as home to several NATO allies, our development ties strengthen critical national security bonds.

 
Map of Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean

Many Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations have experienced monumental growth and change in the past several decades, and USAID has partnered with these countries to make important progress. Despite the global financial crisis, the region averaged a three percent annual increase in economic growth between 2000 and 2012. Health indicators have greatly improved in the region: for example, maternal mortality has fallen from 140 to 81 deaths per 100,000 live births since 1990. Political advances have been notable, as well: free elections, vibrant civil society, and responsive governments are mostly the norm.

Middle East

Middle East

Ten years after the Arab Spring, progress on democratic and economic reform is uneven across the Middle East and North Africa. There remains significant instability and social unrest in some countries while others, although relatively stable, face significant development challenges as well as negative impacts of both the COVID pandemic and on-going conflicts in neighboring countries. Despite popular protests in a number of countries, economic and political reforms are not yet broadly accepted by leaders as essential to national stability and prosperity.