In 2011, the World Bank (2013) provided aid equivalent to US$54 per individual in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the question is whether 910.4 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have equally enjoyed its benefits. Despite regional and international aid dedicated to eradicating poverty over the past 60 years, approximately 442 million, half the population of sub-Saharan Africa, still live on less than US$1.25 a day (World Bank, 2013). Although the effectiveness of international aid on poverty reduction has been questioned in a large amount of public and academic discourse, many so-called developed countries such as the G8 are still encouraged to provide more aid (Sachs, 2005), while less developed countries still rely on international aid. aid as a means to reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (Glennie, 2008; Moyo, 2010). This does not appear to lead to the end or reduction of poverty. Instead, this essay argues that to achieve poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa, international aid must be reduced because it reinforces poverty, that is, power and economic inequalities. I will first examine the theoretical and historical contexts in relation to development and international aid in sub-Saharan Africa, and then examine the controversy that international aid generates for local and international communities in terms of culture, sustainability and politics. Finally, I will suggest an alternative path for the development of communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Although sub-Saharan Africa is a culturally, socioeconomically, and politically unique and diverse region, in this essay I refer to Schuurman's (1993) definition that inequality is what characterizes and holds them together. Before we discuss how… ... middle of the paper ... nnie's (2008) suggestion on taxation of foreign and transnational businesses in African states coupled with the enforcement of legitimate laws could ensure an increase in gross domestic product. Furthermore, and more importantly, such a law should ensure the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of local communities so that economic growth effectively leads to the empowerment of the middle class and civil society to secure social and political autonomy rather than exploit it. In conclusion, this essay argued that international aid aimed at poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa did not achieve its objectives, as Western donors were more interested in resources and maintaining socioeconomic and political power. To reduce poverty, aid must be reduced so that African countries can develop the capacity to determine and implement their own development.