USAID Priority Countries

Each year, USAID announces its list of high-priority countries (HPCs) for safe and resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. Aligned with the requirements in the Water for the World Act of 2014, these partner countries will be the primary focus of the U.S. government’s investments to build a more water-secure world amid ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and conflict. See the November 2021 press release for more information.

Context

As part of the U.S. government Global Water Strategy 2022- 2027 and aligned with the requirements in the Water For The World Act Of 2014, USAID annually designates a list of High-Priority Countries (HPCs) where the needs and the opportunity to maximize impact and sustainability are greatest. HPCs are the primary recipients of U.S. government official water and sanitation development assistance.

High-Priority Countries

Following a rigorous analytical process, USAID has designated 22 High-Priority Countries where the needs and potential to maximize impact are greatest.

 

 

Profiles and plans for High-Priority Countries

USAID developed High-Priority Country plans that outline how it will achieve Global Water Strategy targets in each of the 22 priority countries. These plans represent a coordinated approach to address water and sanitation, align with host-country priorities, and complement programs by other U.S. government agencies. Find the plans and associated country profile page below.

LEGEND:
Country Profile
High Priority Country Plan

 

Democratic Republic of Congo
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guatemala
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Kenya
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mozambique
Nepal
Nigeria
Philippines
Rwanda
Senegal
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
 
 
 

 

WASH NEEDS INDEX

These High-Priority Countries are identified in part by calculating a WASH Needs Index Score. Explore the WASH Needs Index and read more about the designation process in Annex B of the Global Water Strategy.

 

Strategic Priority Countries

Strategic Priority Countries are countries where USAID anticipates funding water and sanitation programs due to a combination of strategic considerations and water-related development needs. USAID has classified three strategic-priority countries and regions, given a combination of national security considerations and development needs.

Jordan
Lebanon
West Bank Gaza *
 
 

*The inclusion of West Bank/Gaza as a "Strategic Priority Country" is as a geographic area in reference to USAID programming to support the Palestinian people, and is not intended to convey a position on sovereign status.

In addition to priority countries, USAID addresses water and sanitation needs and opportunities in other countries through development assistance programs aligned with the Congressional Water Directive and the Agency’s strategic objectives. See the full list of countries with USAID water activities.