PANews reported on March 21 that according to a memo circulated among U.S. State Department staff, the Trump administration plans to rename the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as the U.S. Agency for International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) and place it directly under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State. Politico first reported the document, which mentioned that as part of the reorganization, the agency will "leverage blockchain technology" in its procurement process.
“All distributions will also be secured and tracked via blockchain technology to significantly improve security, transparency, and traceability,” the memo reads. “This approach will encourage innovation and efficiency among implementing partners and allow for more flexible and responsive program designs that focus on real impact rather than just completing activities and inputs.” The memo does not specify what this means — for example, whether it includes using some kind of cryptocurrency or stablecoin for cash transfers, or simply using a blockchain ledger to track aid disbursements.
