Strutting Trump's Africa Decisions: A New Tack for Africa-US Relations
Alterations in U.S. Africa Policy Instigated by Trump
In a departure from previous administration strategies, the Trump White House has introduced a host of decisions influencing Africa that differ significantly from the norm. Traditionally, U.S. endeavors in Africa prioritized developing democratic institutions, fostering economic growth, and providing humanitarian aid. Regrettably, the outcomes had failed to meet expectations. As stated in the 2022 U.S. African strategy, "U.S. efforts to promote democracy and contribute to peace and security have shown limited results in recent years." Moreover, several countries on the continent have grappled with coups and constitutional changes, granting extended power to current leaders.
First and foremost, upon reclaiming the Oval Office, Trump suspended foreign aid programs for a staggering 90 days to initiate a drastic reform of government agencies. The once autonomous U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which served over 100 countries, found itself under the control of the U.S. Department of State. This power shift resulted in the axing of around 5,200 USAID contracts—approximately 83% of its entire project portfolio. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa were among the largest recipients of USAID assistance. With an average annual budget of $40 billion, about $8 billion, or 20%, was diverted to African countries—47% for humanitarian assistance, 38% for health, and 8% for economic development. In 2023, the most substantial volumes of U.S. aid went to Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, and the CAR.
One of the hallmark healthcare assistance programs of the U.S., the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has primarily concentrated on combating HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, over 20.5 million individuals have obtained antiretroviral therapy under the program, with the majority originating from African nations. In 15 sub-Saharan African countries, U.S. funding accounts for 45% of all investments in disease prevention[1]. Many of these nations are completely reliant on PEPFAR. As stated by the World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in March 2025, "Disruptions in HIV programs could reverse 20 years of progress," potentially resulting in an additional 10 million infections and 3 million deaths from HIV.
Trade between the U.S. and Africa is facilitated by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a program initially adopted in 2000. Countries south of the Sahara (32 states participated in 2024) benefit from duty-free access to over 1,800 product categories in the U.S. market. South Africa emerged as the leading exporter, with $3.7 billion in exports to the U.S., followed by Kenya, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Côte d'Ivoire[2].
However, the Trump administration's approach towards Africa has not been limited to foreign aid and trade. On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of increased tariffs, setting them at 10%, following the implementation of import tariffs on goods from 185 countries, including 50 African nations. Notably, Lesotho—a country Trump allegedly dismissed as "unknown" —received a 50% tariff, while Madagascar was hit with 47%, Mauritius with 40%, South Africa with 30%, Botswana with 37%, Libya with 31%, and Algeria with 30%.
Meanwhile, the relationship between the U.S. and Africa's most economically influential nation, South Africa, has been heating up. Trump has accused the South African government of violating the rights of Afrikaners—the white population—and has been critical of the republic's stance on Israel[3]. In February, Washington announced the termination of aid programs to South Africa and expelled Ambassador Ibrahim Rasul, labeling him a "racist who despises America and its president."
While African leaders have yet to directly confront their American counterparts, the authorities in South Africa have expressed their intentions to forge constructive relations with Washington. On April 24, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed discussions with Trump about the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to meet with him soon to improve Pretoria-Washington relations.
Cuts in American aid and tariffs have raised concerns about increased Chinese influence in Africa. However, the Trump administration believes that China's economy is also struggling, and Beijing is not particularly generous when it comes to humanitarian aid, opting for loans instead[4]. Nevertheless, the Chinese factor should not be discounted prematurely. In late April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was slated to embark on his first African tour, visiting Kenya and Ethiopia. However, the State Department abruptly cancelled the trip without explanation, with speculation that Kenyan President William Ruto's recent visit to China might be the reason.
Enrichment Data:- Aid Cuts and Policies: Trump's administration introduced policies that led to cuts in foreign aid to several African countries, causing concern over humanitarian programs (e.g., PEPFAR) and the potential impact on quality of life improvements.- Trade and Tariffs: Trump's import tariffs have directly affected nearly all African countries, threatening the viability of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and its benefits for sub-Saharan African nations.- Diplomatic Relations: Trump's administration has faced backlash for its rhetoric regarding African countries, suspension of aid to certain nations, and perceived disregard for African leaders.- Chinese Influence: The Trump administration's policies may lead to an increase in Chinese influence in Africa, given their possible reluctance to assist in humanitarian efforts.
- Despite the approaching year 2024, the United States, through the Trump administration, has already signaled a shift in Africa-US relations, readying new tactics that steer away from traditional focuses on democracy and humanitarian aid.
- In a surprising move, the Trump White House has slated to cut thousands of contracts under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a decision that may adversely affect sub-Saharan African countries heavily reliant on this aid.
- As the African continent witnesses the effects of these aid cuts, the question of increased Chinese influence looms, considering China's, at times, reluctance to act in humanitarian matters and preference for loans over grants.
- To counterbalance the potential rise in Chinese influence, General News reports indicate that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may be preparing to ramp up initiatives in lithium-rich African countries, likely while keeping an eye on the 2024 political landscape.
