The Trump administration is pursuing a more transactional relationship with Africa centered on trade, investment, and critical minerals, while simultaneously dismantling many of the diplomatic and development tools that gave Washington influence with governments across the continent. For decades, the US combined aid, security cooperation, educational exchanges, and diplomacy to build long-term relationships with African nations. By reducing these programs, tightening visa access, and limiting engagement channels, Washington risks weakening the very foundations upon which its bargaining power is built. Meanwhile, African governments have greater negotiating leverage than ever before, with countries, including Turkey, China, and the UAE, also seeking partnerships across the continent. Without the US correcting course, the losers are likely to be ordinary Americans’ long-term strategic interests.
Semafor