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The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates African exports to the United States, is at the heart of these relations, but its future remains uncertain. Experts believe Trump may favour a bilateral approach, to the detriment of AGOA
While Donald Trump, the US President-elect is receiving congratulations from African countries seeking respectful cooperation, there are concerns about his isolationist agenda, especially if Republicans control both houses of Congress.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates African exports to the United States, is at the heart of these relations, but its future remains uncertain. Experts believe Trump may favor a bilateral approach, to the detriment of AGOA.
In infrastructure, the United States is launching competitive projects with China, including the “Lobito corridor”, aimed at linking various African countries. On the security front, Trump could reduce US military engagement in Africa, in a context where the jihadist threat remains.
US aid, of around USD4 billion in 2024, is also in question, as are efforts against climate change. Trump’s legacy on environmental policy raises fears about the future of sustainability initiatives in Africa.
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There are various shades of opinion on Trump’s policy on Africa. While some experts feel that Trump-like in his earlier term may not give a concrete Africa-centric policy, others believe that the geopolitical landscape in the intervening four years while he was out of power, has changed. The overwhelming presence of China and Russia in Africa can be a decisive factor in effecting a course change in the second Trump innings.
Importantly, global corporations including from the US are increasingly seeking rare earth from Africa as a vital element for the high-tech industries. Trump, being business-friendly in his approach, may be dictated by corporate needs in shaping African policy.
