USAID has stood in partnership with Azerbaijan since its first days of independence in 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union. Shortly thereafter, USAID began implementing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to over 800,000 people fleeing the conflict in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The programs also focused on community development, health, economic opportunities, and support services, including training and business management consultations for vulnerable populations. Other programs included U.S.-funded health clinics to serve needy populations and the provision of humanitarian commodities that included medicines and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, emergency shelter items, food, and clothing. USAID also provided food-aid to internationally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups through the World Food Program's relief operations.

While the early USAID activities in Azerbaijan focused entirely on humanitarian relief efforts, in 1998, USAID transitioned to programs that supported the broader economic, social, health and political development of the Azerbaijani people and their newly independent country. 

The U.S. government’s longstanding development partnership with the Government of Azerbaijan has evolved and deepened over time.  Today, USAID’s goal is to enhance enduring partnership with Azerbaijan that advances the country’s development progress. The partnership is adapted to the country’s unique socio-economic situation, incorporating U.S. objectives for Azerbaijan’s journey to self-reliance.

Since 1992, USAID has provided over $417 million in technical assistance and training to effect positive, lasting change within the country’s institutions and the lives of its people. USAID programs cooperate with ministries, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and communities to improve laws, promote human and political rights, engage citizens, expand jobs, increase incomes, and improve the quality of life of Azerbaijan’s people.