Even before he took office, US Agency for International Development (USAID)
Administrator Mark Green affirmed his commitment to the agency’s ultimate goal of
working itself out of a job. In line with that objective, Administration Green announced
plans to pursue “strategic transitions”—moving select countries that have achieved an
advanced level of development to a model of US engagement that relies less on traditional
development assistance and more on other forms of cooperation, while still enabling the
United States to contribute to sustained development progress and to maintain strong
bilateral relationships. Transition is likely to include different phases, including a shift from
service delivery to capacity building, eventual drawdown of grant funding, and a prudent
reduction in USAID presence, which may include closing a mission or office.