France Reviews AFD Spending on International Projects
France has decided to reassess the necessity of external expenditures by the French Development Agency (AFD), a counterpart to the American USAID. The agency’s budget has already been reduced by €2 billion due to the country's budget deficit concerns.
AFD previously funded programs related to climate, gender equality, humanitarian aid, healthcare, and education. Among its initiatives was a €1.7 million project to raise awareness about LGBT communities in Africa and the Caucasus, as well as a program to combat gender-based violence in Madagascar’s schools through rugby lessons.
The agency also allocated funds to maintain French influence in Francophone Africa. However, in recent years, priorities have shifted, and funding is now being redirected toward Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Although AFD's scale is smaller than USAID, its methods and approaches are largely similar. The agency continues to channel significant funds into social initiatives in developing countries, sparking debate in France over the rationality of such expenditures.
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