Donald Trump’s win brought a lot of joy to as many who followed the campaign months of the United States of America. But after this victory, the question, what next begins to sink in. Many fear the possibility of not being able to ‘Japa’ again or being sent back to African from the diaspora. With reports of him referring to some nations in Africa as shithole countries it’s fair to be a little scared about his plans
Truth is, Trump’s stance on Africa has always been centered on reducing dependency, with a goal of empowering African countries to build their own independent economies. Rather than relying on foreign aid, Trump envisions a continent where African nations leverage their resources, talent, and innovation to become self-sustaining. He has only prioritized his country as a president should. Here’s a deeper look at his approach during his first term as POTUS and what it could mean for Africa’s future as he runs again.
Supporting Economic Independence
One of Trump’s primary ideas for Africa is to help countries shift away from long-standing reliance on international aid. His administration has advocated for trade and investment over aid dependency, emphasizing the need for economic partnerships rather than aid handouts. “Africa has tremendous business potential,” he once said, stressing that African countries could benefit more from self-sufficiency and partnerships that focus on building infrastructure, technology, and trade even if it might mean removing free tax on exports to the USA.
Trump’s vision includes encouraging American businesses to invest in Africa and create local job opportunities rather than simply sending funds that can sometimes be mismanaged or lead to dependency. By fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and new industries can grow, African countries can generate their own revenue and develop sustainable economies that uplift local communities. This plans were known as the Prosper Africa – an initiative that assists US companies wanting to invest in Africa – and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which funds development projects in Africa and around the world. had continued to run three years even after he left office in 2020 under Biden’s administration.
Security remains a major challenge in various parts of Africa, and Trump’s administration has supported efforts to build stronger defense partnerships on the continent. By providing training and resources to local forces, Trump’s approach focuses on helping African nations build their own security capacity, which is essential for creating a stable environment for economic growth and development. He also approved arms especially to Nigeria to combat the Boko Haram Terror.
Trump’s policies suggest that African nations should be at the forefront of their own development. This “Africa First” mentality aligns with the idea that local leaders and communities understand their unique needs best. Instead of relying on external organizations to drive change, Trump supports initiatives that put decision-making power in the hands of Africans, empowering them to create policies that suit their populations.
Trump’s view on Africa signifies a shift from traditional aid to a partnership-based approach, which could reshape Africa’s relationship with the world. By encouraging African nations to build strong economies and governance systems, the goal is to establish a foundation for long-term growth rather than temporary relief. This approach encourages African countries to negotiate from a position of strength, fostering mutual respect and collaboration with global partners and not on dependency.
While Trump’s stance may be controversial, his emphasis on African independence offers a vision of empowerment for the continent. By prioritizing economic self-reliance and local development, African countries have the potential to grow into global players, with strong, self-sustaining economies and vibrant communities. So at the end of the day, we could say Trump isn’t out for personal gain with the African continent like other presidents might have done and he is allowing Africa make her own change. This could be good or bad, depends on how we all view it.
