Title: The New Administration and Africa

The inauguration of a new U.S. president presents an inflection point, a moment of possibility just before a candidate’s election promises meet the realities of governing. As the U.S. enters the second Trump administration, SFS faculty offer their thoughts on how the 47th president’s statements during the campaign, policies during his first term, and nominations and appointments announced thus far might impact different regions and issue areas around the world. The views expressed are the views of individual SFS faculty and not the views of SFS.

In conversation with SFS Professor Ken Opalo, associate professor in the African Studies Program, we dive into key issues to watch for in the Trump administration’s potential policies related to Africa.

What did Donald Trump, the candidate, promise regarding Africa?

There were no mentions of Africa on the campaign trail by either candidate, at least that I am aware of. However, the Project 2025 document—which got input from some of the people that are likely to staff the Africa Desk at the White House and State Department—had some interesting ideas, the most important of which is a commitment to strengthen commercial relations between African countries and the United States.

Based on President Trump’s policies during his first term and his lack of discussion of any issues relating to Africa during the campaign, what do you expect the new administration to actually do? Of the appointments he’s likely to make, which will affect Africa the most, broadly speaking?

It will all depend on personnel, especially the appointments at the National Security Council (NSC) and the Assistant Secretary in the Bureau for African Affairs. However, the Trump White House has a packed agenda coming in, and it is unclear if the Africa Desk will be able to squeeze their issues onto the agenda.

President Donald Trump has indicated that his approach to Africa will prioritize strengthening business ties and promoting economic growth through free-market principles, potentially reducing development assistance. How do you think this shift in focus will affect U.S.-Africa relations and the region’s economic development in the long term?

In principle, this is a great idea. Africa-U.S. relations need a major reset in the direction proposed by the Trump team. However, the devil will be in the implementation details. Also important will be whether African countries will be able to rise to the occasion and maximally exploit opportunities presented by the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and others.

Based on your expertise and experience in this area, are you optimistic or pessimistic about the policy direction on Africa over the next four years? Why?

I am mostly neutral. While the Biden administration made important strides in elevating Africa-U.S. relations, with a focus on commercial relations and high level engagements, the results were mixed. This was in no small part because Washington views Africa as a strategic backwater. I do not expect that to change under Trump, unless he picks the right people in key positions at the NSC and the State Department.