The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the closure of its Southern Africa bureau in Johannesburg, despite the region grappling with its worst drought in four decades.
The decision comes as 26 million people in seven Southern African countries face food shortages ahead of the May harvest.
The closure is a direct result of funding cuts from the United States, which provides nearly half of the WFP’s $9.7 billion budget. In a message sent to staff on Friday, Global Executive Director Cindy McCain described the move as a difficult but necessary decision given the agency’s ongoing financial challenges
The Southern Africa bureau has played a critical role in sourcing and transporting food aid, procuring over 60% of its supplies locally. The region regularly experiences droughts, exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon, as seen last year. Countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique have been heavily impacted by the drought, with corn harvests reduced by up to 70%.
McCain reassured staff that the WFP remains committed to the region, and the responsibilities of the Johannesburg office will be transferred to the East Africa bureau in Nairobi.
The closure was communicated to staff unexpectedly, with senior management learning of the decision only a day before McCain’s official announcement. While the WFP has not yet responded to media inquiries, a transition team will oversee the implementation of changes throughout the year.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation has been notified of the move and has yet to respond to inquiries.
The closure highlights ongoing shifts in US foreign aid policy under President Donald Trump, which has impacted various sectors, including healthcare and food security, worldwide. The WFP’s role in managing drought relief efforts in Southern Africa has never been more critical, and the closure raises concerns about the ability to adequately support the region’s most vulnerable populations.
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