WFP Closes Southern Africa Bureau Amid Drought, Funding Cuts

The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the closure of its southern African bureau in Johannesburg, primarily due to funding constraints, particularly from the United States. This decision, communicated by Global Executive Director Cindy McCain, comes as the region faces its worst drought in forty years, affecting millions across countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The WFP will consolidate its operations in Nairobi to optimize resources, although it assures that country-specific aid efforts will continue. The closure is seen as part of broader cuts in U.S. foreign aid, which have been significantly reduced under the Trump administration. Despite the funding issues, the WFP aims to assist over 7.2 million people affected by food shortages in the region. As of now, the transition to the Nairobi office is expected to impact around 160 employees from the Johannesburg bureau.