TRAJECTORIES OF US AFRICA RELATIONS UNDER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

This study examines the trajectories of U.S.-Africa relations under the Trump administration, focusing on key shifts in diplomacy, trade, security, and development cooperation. The objective is to analyze how the administration’s policies influenced Africa’s political and economic landscape and assess their long-term implications for bilateral and multilateral engagements. The study employs a qualitative research approach, relying exclusively on secondary data sources, including policy documents, government reports, scholarly articles, and analyses from international organizations. Findings indicate that the Trump administration adopted a transactional and security-driven approach to Africa, emphasizing counterterrorism cooperation while reducing traditional diplomatic and development engagements. The administration’s “America First” policy led to cuts in foreign aid, skepticism toward multilateral institutions, and disengagement from major U.S.-Africa initiatives such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Furthermore, policy inconsistencies and negative rhetoric about the continent strained diplomatic relations. However, economic ties remained significant, with an increased focus on private-sector investment over traditional aid mechanisms, particularly through the Prosper Africa initiative. The study highlights that these shifts altered Africa’s geopolitical alignments, prompting many African nations to strengthen partnerships with China, the European Union, and other global powers. The relevance of this study lies in its contribution to understanding how U.S. policy shifts influence Africa’s development trajectory and strategic decisions. By providing a critical assessment of U.S.-Africa relations under Trump, this research offers insights into future engagement strategies and the evolving dynamics of global influence on the African continent.