Top 10 African countries that received the most U.S. foreign aid in 2025

Africa received a significant share of U.S. foreign assistance in fiscal year 2025, with seven African countries among the 10 largest recipients. Ethiopia received the most among African countries, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan.

The figures reflect U.S. assistance actually disbursed during FY2025, rather than money newly approved during the year, according to Visual Capitalist.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a sharp increase in U.S. support for the country, including weapons, intelligence, economic assistance and humanitarian aid.

Here are the 10 African countries that received the most US foreign aid in 2025:

Ethiopia was the largest African recipient of US foreign assistance in fiscal year 2025, receiving about $920 million and ranking fourth globally. According to ForeignAssistance.gov data, the country received virtually all of its assistance as nonmilitary aid.

The scale of US support reflects Ethiopia’s significant humanitarian and development needs, including food insecurity, displacement and health challenges. Ethiopia’s position at the top of Africa’s list puts it just behind Ukraine, Israel and Jordan globally, highlighting the scale of US engagement with the country.

The Democratic Republic of Congo received about $750 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, making it the second-largest recipient in Africa and the fifth-largest globally. Around 99% of the funding was classified as nonmilitary assistance.

US assistance to the DRC has historically focused heavily on humanitarian and development needs, particularly in a country dealing with prolonged conflict, displacement and food insecurity. The eastern part of the country has faced persistent insecurity involving armed groups, creating significant humanitarian needs.

Nigeria received about $730 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, ranking third among African countries and sixth globally.

US assistance to Nigeria has supported health, development, and humanitarian programmes, along with smaller amounts of security-related assistance. Nigeria’s large population and role as one of Africa’s biggest economies also make it an important partner for the US.

Sudan received about $709 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, making it Africa’s fourth-largest recipient and the seventh-largest globally.

Sudan’s position is closely tied to its severe humanitarian crisis. Fighting that began in 2023 has displaced millions of people and created major food, health and shelter needs. US assistance has therefore been heavily focused on humanitarian support rather than military funding.

Kenya received about $655 million in US foreign assistance during fiscal 2025, placing it fifth among African recipients and eighth globally. Most of the funding, around 96%, was nonmilitary, while approximately $27 million was classified as military assistance, according to the Pew Research Center.

Kenya has long been an important US partner in East Africa, with cooperation spanning health, development, security and humanitarian programmes. The country also plays a significant regional role, including in responding to crises affecting neighbouring countries. Its relatively strong economic position compared with many countries in the region means US assistance also extends beyond emergency relief into longer-term development and institutional programmes.

Mozambique received about $584 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, ranking sixth among African countries and ninth globally. Almost all of the funding was nonmilitary, with roughly $575 million recorded in that category.

US assistance to Mozambique comes against a backdrop of significant humanitarian and development challenges. The country has faced conflict and displacement in its northern Cabo Delgado province, while also dealing with poverty, food insecurity and the effects of natural disasters. A small portion of the US funding was classified as military assistance.

Uganda received about $513 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, making it the seventh-largest African recipient and the 10th-largest recipient globally. About 98% of the funding was classified as nonmilitary assistance.

US assistance to Uganda has traditionally covered areas including health, humanitarian support and development. The country also hosts large numbers of refugees from conflicts in neighbouring countries, increasing its humanitarian needs.

South Sudan received about $507 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, ranking eighth among African recipients and 11th globally. The country has some of the highest humanitarian needs on the continent, reflecting years of conflict, displacement and food insecurity.

US assistance to South Sudan is largely focused on humanitarian and development needs. Millions of people in the country depend on international support for food, healthcare and other basic services.

Somalia received about $498 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, placing it ninth among African recipients and 12th globally. The country has faced decades of political instability, conflict, humanitarian emergencies and food insecurity, creating sustained demand for international assistance.

The country continues to deal with threats from militant groups, displacement and climate-related shocks.

Tanzania received about $480 million in US foreign assistance in fiscal 2025, ranking 10th among African recipients and 15th globally. The country was the last African nation in the top 15 recipients worldwide, according to the ForeignAssistance.gov data.

US assistance to Tanzania has supported development and humanitarian programmes, including health-related initiatives. Tanzania’s large population and role in East Africa also make it an important partner for US engagement on development and regional issues.