USAID Angola: From the American People

History

USAID's assistance to Angola began soon after the nation's declaration of independence from Portugal and the start of the subsequent civil war. In 1977, USAID provided food assistance through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist refugees and victims of fighting in and around Luanda. In 1978, again through the ICRC, the Agency provided $2.5 million for extension services and agricultural support.

Further USAID work in Angola ceased until 1989 when the Agency began providing large-scale humanitarian aid and emergency assistance. In 1992, with the prospect of elections and a viable peace process, USAID began a development assistance program in Angola for the first time. Nevertheless, with the resumption of fighting soon after the elections, assistance was terminated until 1995 when development assistance resumed with a grant of $4 million for agricultural rehabilitation and $2 million for assistance to displaced children and orphans. In 1996, a USAID office was established in Luanda with the arrival of the first resident USAID official. The initial programs funded by USAID were relief in nature, and included specific health interventions, such as immunization campaigns, emergency feeding, and service delivery. In April 1998, the Angola office was upgraded to full mission status and the USAID/Angola Mission was born.