As President-Elect Donald Trump prepares to embark on his second term in office, he will inevitably face a foreign policy landscape riddled with pressing challenges that demand immediate attention. Among these urgent matters are the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the accelerating nuclear ambitions of Iran, and an increasingly aggressive posture from China. However, one crucial area that warrants a renewed focus is the state of U.S.-Africa relations, which have been allowed to stagnate over time. The second Trump administration must prioritize rebuilding these ties, as neglecting the African continent presents risks to U.S. interests both domestically and internationally.
Doing so will be a formidable obstacle. U.S. engagement with Africa has fluctuated throughout history, alternating between periods of neglect and cursory interaction. From the early nineteenth-century Barbary Wars to contemporary military interventions, U.S. actions have often prioritized self-serving interests over fostering authentic partnerships. As a result, numerous African nations have found themselves ensnared in cycles of instability and underdevelopment, while foreign entities capitalize on their vulnerabilities.
In previous administrations, including Trump’s initial term, U.S. policies toward Africa have adhered to this persistent trend of disengagement. During his first administration, the approach to relations with African nations was primarily business-driven, favoring economic transactions over comprehensive strategies. Initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Prosper Africa Initiative were intended to enhance economic engagement but were significantly hampered by an insufficient commitment to diplomatic and democratic support. Consequently, this minimalist approach projected a lack of U.S. dedication to the region.
The Biden administration has made strides toward diplomatic outreach to the continent with initiatives like the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, rejoining the Paris Agreement, and supporting programs like AGOA and climate initiatives. However, these actions often appear disjointed and superficial, leading many African countries to question U.S. intentions on a broader scale. Additionally, delays in climate finance and vaccination efforts have exacerbated doubts about the authenticity of U.S. engagement.
This inconsistent involvement fails to strategically counteract the burgeoning influence of China and Russia, both of which have made substantial inroads into the continent in recent years. It represents a critical misstep, as Africa is becoming increasingly pivotal in global geopolitics. The continent boasts some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and this trend is poised to continue into the foreseeable future. With a population characterized by a youthful demographic—over 60 percent of its citizens aged under twenty-five—Africa is the youngest continent globally. This demographic represents a transformative force that will shape global dynamics in the coming decades. To effectively capitalize on this growing population, significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education access are imperative. African leaders are currently in search of strategic partners—unfortunately, Washington appears to be sidelined at present.
Geopolitically, Africa has become indispensable. It is now a formidable force that influences migration patterns, climate resilience, and security challenges. The continent plays dual roles as a source and transit point for migration, which will significantly shape regional stability from Europe to the Middle East. Africa’s vulnerability to climate change heightens the need for greater investments to ensure resilience in agriculture-dependent areas, aimed at averting food shortages and conflicts.
These challenges have prompted regional governments to seek assistance from external powers. China and Russia have adeptly recognized these trends, each pursuing their interests in Africa through different means. China has ascended to become Africa’s largest economic partner, with annual trade reaching $282 billion. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has significantly improved infrastructure across the continent. Additionally, the terms of China’s financial aid are often more favorable, coming with fewer conditions than those imposed by Western nations, thus expanding its appeal and placing American businesses at a competitive disadvantage. This resonates deeply with numerous African nations, fostering a sense of partnership that starkly contrasts with the critical narratives often associated with Western interventions.
In contrast, Russia has employed Cold War-era tactics to extend its influence throughout Africa. Using entities like the Wagner Group (now referred to as the Africa Corps), Moscow provides support to unstable regimes, cementing defense agreements and securing resource access, including diamonds, gold, and uranium. These resources are vital to financing Moscow’s foreign initiatives, including its war in Ukraine.
Russia endeavors to forge alliances with African nations, leveraging historical ties and military cooperation to secure support in international forums. By projecting itself as a development ally and utilizing media outlets such as RT and Sputnik to disseminate anti-colonial narratives, Moscow aims to present itself as an alternative to Western influence, systematically undercutting U.S. and European presence in the region.
Despite the overall grim outlook, there remains an opportunity for the United States to adopt a more competitive approach. The incoming Trump administration holds a unique opportunity to foster a dynamic partnership with Africa that transcends traditional diplomacy, enhances economic relationships, balances security commitments, and revitalizes development initiatives while emphasizing the importance of democracy and human rights.
This partnership must begin with the recognition that Africa plays a critical role in international relations, rather than merely being viewed as a battleground for interests. This necessitates transcending outdated notions that Africa might become significant “someday” to a more nuanced understanding that African countries are legitimate, present-day partners whose needs and aspirations must be recognized by the United States. Efforts should focus on championing inclusive economic policies that empower local businesses and advocating for fair trade practices that elevate African nations on the global stage.
The stakes could not be higher. A failure to respond decisively risks relegating the United States to the margins of great power competition, permitting other nations to dictate Africa’s future and reshape the contours of global trade and development. The next president must grasp this reality and pledge the nation to a far more profound and strategic engagement with Africa.
Lilly Harvey is a Research Fellow & Program Officer at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and editor of the Council’s Africa Policy Monitor e-bulletin.
How can the U.S. establish genuine partnerships with African nations to counterbalance external influences?
To Western powers, furthering its goals on the continent.
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**Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, Expert on U.S.-Africa Relations**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Smith. As President-Elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, what do you think should be the main focus regarding U.S.-Africa relations?
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me. I believe a renewed focus on U.S.-Africa relations is essential, particularly in light of the geopolitical changes and challenges the continent faces. The U.S. has historically treated Africa through a lens of self-interest, which has led to a lack of genuine partnerships. This needs to shift toward more cooperative and supportive engagements.
**Editor:** You mentioned historical self-interest. Can you provide examples of how this has manifested in past U.S. policies?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly. Historically, U.S. engagement with Africa has fluctuated; periods of neglect are often followed by brief bursts of engagement that prioritize economic transactions without addressing underlying political and social issues. For instance, during Trump’s first term, economic initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act aimed at increasing trade but didn’t offer substantial diplomatic or political support. This has left many African leaders feeling sidelined.
**Editor:** In your view, how has the Biden administration addressed these issues, and what still needs work?
**Dr. Smith:** The Biden administration has made strides, like the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, rejoining the Paris Agreement, and supporting programs like AGOA. However, these initiatives often appear fragmented and lack the necessary depth to build trust. Delays in support for climate finance and health initiatives have compounded the skepticism regarding U.S. intentions. African leaders are looking for reliable partners, and if the U.S. can’t offer a cohesive strategy, they may turn elsewhere.
**Editor:** Speaking of alternatives, how do you see the growing influence of China and Russia affecting U.S. interests in Africa?
**Dr. Smith:** It’s quite significant. China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and has invested heavily in infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, which often comes with fewer strings attached compared to Western aid. Russia, on the other hand, is leveraging Cold War tactics by supporting regimes through military partnerships and appealing to anti-colonial sentiments. Both approaches are resonating with many African nations, putting U.S. interests at risk.
**Editor:** Given these challenges, what specific steps should the Trump administration take to improve its standing in Africa?
**Dr. Smith:** The Trump administration should prioritize building authentic partnerships with African nations rather than pursuing a transactional approach. This means investing in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while also engaging in meaningful diplomatic dialogues. The U.S. needs to show that it understands Africa’s role in global dynamics and is committed to supporting sustainable development rather than seeking immediate benefits.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights on this crucial issue. It’s clear that the future of U.S.-Africa relations will be pivotal in shaping both regional and global landscapes.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope we see a shift towards a more engaged and constructive U.S. presence in Africa in the coming years.