By: Mohamed Tim Kargbo
The election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States has been met with significant concern around the world, including Africa, especially as it pertains the future of international relations and America’s standing on the global stage. Trump’s campaign slogan “America First” carries profound implications, both for the United States and the global community. For many African nations, the prospect of a Trump-led U.S. government promises both opportunities and challenges, as they navigate a new era of international diplomacy marked by shifting priorities and evolving partnerships. While Trump is a businessman renowned for his winning strategies, his approach to foreign policy and trade may ultimately shape the continent’s prospects for development, peace, and prosperity.
America First: What Does it Mean for Africa?
Trump’s “America First” slogan signals a commitment to prioritising the interests of the United States, potentially reshaping how America engages with African nations. On the surface, this could suggest a more transactional and self-interested approach to foreign relations, where U.S. support for Africa may be contingent upon clear, tangible benefits to American interests. However, the potential for African countries to benefit from this new dynamic hinges on whether they can harness strategic partnerships that align with U.S. interests while simultaneously promoting their own development goals.
Given Trump’s background as a successful businessman, his focus on economic deals and investments rather than ideologically driven foreign policies may be a blessing in disguise for Africa. With nearly all African nations battling exploitative contracts from neocolonial Western institutions, Trump’s preference for business over diplomacy could present an opportunity for African countries to negotiate fairer trade agreements and forge partnerships that are more equitable and mutually beneficial. Trump’s reputation as a master dealmaker, skilled at securing favourable outcomes for his businesses, could inspire African leaders to adopt a more pragmatic, results-oriented approach to governance, focusing on tangible economic and infrastructural development rather than ideological posturing.
However, this approach could also present challenges. If Trump’s policies lean too heavily towards “America First” in a way that undermines the economic sovereignty of African nations, it could perpetuate the continent’s dependence on foreign aid, while limiting the space for African economies to grow independently. The risk is that Africa could become a mere battleground for geopolitical interests, rather than a dynamic region driving its own economic renaissance.
The Role of China in Africa: Trump’s Hands-Off Approach:
One of the most striking moments during Trump’s presidential campaign came when he was asked whether he would fight to reduce China’s influence in Africa. His response was telling: “The Chinese will do their own business, and America will continue with its own business.” This hands-off stance towards China’s growing presence in Africa suggests a shift away from interventionist policies that were characteristic of previous U.S. administrations. For African nations, this could mean more freedom to engage with China without facing pressure from the United States to limit such ties. This non-interference could enable African countries to negotiate better terms with China, with the latter having invested heavily in the continent’s infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors.
However, it also raises important questions: will African nations be able to use their newfound freedom to build genuinely strategic partnerships, or will they continue to fall prey to the pitfalls of foreign debt, neocolonial exploitation, and unbalanced trade agreements? Trump’s disinterest in micromanaging Africa’s foreign relations may lead to a situation where African governments are left to their own devices, for better or worse. In this environment, it will be incumbent upon African leaders to chart a course of development that maximises the continent’s potential without succumbing to outside pressures—be it from the U.S., China, or other powers.
Peace and Stability: A New Dawn for Africa?
Donald Trump’s administration has also promised to work toward a more peaceful world. While many have questioned his sincerity in this regard, his stated opposition to unnecessary military intervention could have positive implications for Africa, a continent plagued by internal conflicts, violent extremism, and regional instability. Trump’s commitment to avoiding foreign wars might signal a shift away from the often-destructive military involvements that have characterised U.S. engagement in Africa over the past two decades, particularly in countries like Libya, Somalia, and the Sahel region.
If Trump’s avowed commitment to peace holds true, it could also lead to a more stable Africa, where African countries can take the lead in resolving their own conflicts, with the support of international organizations like the Africa Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). Such a shift could potentially reduce the militarisation of U.S. aid to Africa, which has often undermined sustainable development efforts. Stability is a necessary precondition for economic growth, and if Africa can attain this, it could unlock the continent’s immense potential for development—whether through the exploitation of its vast natural resources, its young workforce, or the untapped entrepreneurial spirit that could drive its industries forward.
Trade, Investment, and Technology: A Changing Landscape?
Another key area where Trump’s presidency could have a significant impact on Africa is in the realm of trade, investment, and technology transfer. Trump has expressed skepticism towards traditional trade agreements and foreign aid, preferring instead to emphasize mutually beneficial business deals. This presents a potential opportunity for Africa, as the continent has long been seen as a source of raw materials and cheap labour for Western powers, with few investments in local manufacturing and value-added industries.
If U.S. businesses are encouraged to invest in Africa under Trump’s leadership, it could also lead to the creation of industries that process locally produced goods for international trade, rather than relying on Africa to remain a mere exporter of raw materials. This could also open doors for technology transfer, enabling Africa to build its own technological infrastructure and capabilities.
However, this is far from guaranteed. Trump’s America-First approach could also mean that African countries are forced to offer concessions in order to attract U.S. investment, potentially locking them into exploitative agreements with multinational corporations. Moreover, the global power dynamics of the U.S. and China in Africa could further complicate the ability of African governments to assert their own economic priorities.
The Need for African Leadership and Accountability
Perhaps the most significant question surrounding Trump’s presidency and Africa’s future lies in the actions of African leaders themselves. Will the continent’s new generation of leaders rise to the occasion and demand better deals for their people? Will they prioritize the development of their nations, with a renewed focus on infrastructure, education, health, and job creation rather than personal enrichment and the perpetuation of corrupt policies? Trump’s business-oriented approach could expose the inefficiencies, corruption, and self-serving practices of African governments that have led to underdevelopment and poverty in many regions.
Having made it clear that he will not tolerate bad deals or corrupt leadership, President Trump has thrown down the gauntlet for the continent’s leaders. If his administration holds African leaders to account and demands accountability for management of domestic resources, this could very well serve as a wake-up call for reform, and potentially lead to a stronger focus on policies that genuinely benefit the people rather than entrenched elites.
In all, the Trump presidency presents a complex set of possibilities for Africa. Whether these possibilities lead to positive outcomes will depend largely on the ability of African leaders to adapt, make strategic choices, and ensure that their nations are positioned to benefit from a changing global landscape. If Africa can seize the opportunity to negotiate fairer deals, attract sustainable investment, and build peaceful, stable societies, the continent could emerge as a key player on the world stage in the years to come. However, this will require a fundamental shift in leadership, governance, and the vision for Africa’s future—a challenge that may prove more difficult than any business deal Donald Trump has ever struck.