On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered his second inaugural address, marking the commencement of his non-consecutive term as the 47th President of the United States. In his speech, he declared the end of America’s decline, stating, “America’s decline is over.” He emphasized the beginning of a “golden age” and a “revolution of common sense,” focusing on reclaiming American sovereignty and prioritizing the nation’s interests.
President Trump announced plans to declare a national emergency at the southern border, aiming to halt illegal entry and expedite the deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. He declared a national energy emergency, emphasizing the need to boost domestic energy production and achieve energy independence by overturning previous policies, including the Green New Deal.
He pledged to tackle inflation and protect the American auto industry by revoking the electric vehicle mandate, aiming to reduce energy prices and promote economic growth. He vowed to stop government censorship, restore free speech, and bring law and order back to cities. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of the External Revenue Service and the Department of Government Efficiency to streamline government operations.
The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, as well as tech industry leaders Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. President Trump’s address set the tone for his administration’s priorities, focusing on national security, economic revitalization, and the restoration of traditional values. Curiously falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hopefully, the ideals and principles of the life of Dr. King will influence the policy and diplomatic outlook of the new administration over the next four years.
During his first term, Trump’s “America First” policy deprioritized Africa, with limited engagement on trade beyond the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). His second term might further diminish U.S. interest in fostering African trade partnerships. His critical stance toward China’s role in Africa could lead to a sharper focus on countering Chinese influence on the continent. However, this might manifest in rhetoric rather than substantive investment or policy shifts.
What Is In It For Africa?
Africa should expect a continuation of transactional relationships, with investments linked to direct U.S. strategic or economic benefits rather than long-term partnership-building for the next four years. Pundits anticipate renewed efforts to cut U.S. foreign aid, including programs that benefit Africa, such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and other USAID initiatives. This could have potential implications for progress in health, education, and poverty reduction.
Trump’s disengagement from multilateral institutions may persist, leading to weakened U.S. ties with the AU and other regional bodies. During his first term, there was a noticeable absence of U.S. presidential visits to Africa, which many diplomatic pundits labelled a lack of prioritization. This trend could continue in 2025 and beyond during President’s Trumps administration.
We might begin to see a revival of policies such as the “travel ban,” which affected several African countries during his term as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. This has the potential to strain the U.S. – Africa relations and alienate the African diaspora and businesses. Though recent statements point to better policies for African students and key professionals in the interest of American agency and growth, many fear that programs that benefit African professionals and students might face cuts or restrictions, limiting talent exchange.
U.S. military involvement in Africa, particularly through the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), may focus narrowly on counter-terrorism operations in regions like the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, with less emphasis on addressing the root causes of insecurity. Additionally, Trump’s preference for privatized military solutions could lead to an increase in outsourced security operations in Africa. With the continent facing significant security challenges, including terrorism and insurgency, a pragmatic approach, potentially strengthening AFRICOM and assisting African anti-terror efforts is likely. However, this support may be contingent on alignment with U.S. strategic interests.
The outlook on geopolitical dynamics reveals continued polarization of global influence with possible exacerbation in the geopolitical tug-of-war between the U.S., China, and Russia in Africa, with Africa as a secondary consideration in broader power struggles. Trump’s previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement suggests reduced U.S. support for African countries facing climate challenges.
Trump’s tepid promotion of democratic values may embolden authoritarian regimes in Africa while a reduced emphasis on human rights and governance might weaken U.S. leverage on accountability issues in Africa. Already, the body language regarding the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe show his priorities in the coming months.
Opportunities for Africa
A less engaged U.S. might push African nations to strengthen ties with Europe, Asia, and intra-continental networks through diversification of partnerships thereby creating and opening more opportunities for the continent. Additionally, Africa could leverage its collective voice in multilateral forums to fill the vacuum left by a disengaged U.S.
During his first term, President Trump did not visit Africa and even made disparaging remarks about the continent, which strained diplomatic relations. His administration’s limited engagement suggests that Africa may not be a priority in his second term. This perception could influence how African nations, including Nigeria, interact with the U.S. moving forward.
Again, the “America First” agenda may continue to shape U.S. – Africa trade relations. While there is potential for economic partnerships, such as the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the focus is likely to be on transactions that directly benefit U.S. interests. This approach could impact Africa’s access to U.S. markets and investment.
There is a possibility of reduced U.S. aid to Africa, which could affect health and development programs across the continent. The Trump administration’s focus on ensuring tangible returns for U.S. spending might lead to a re-evaluation of aid distribution, potentially impacting initiatives crucial for African’s development.
With China’s growing influence in Africa, we may see intensified U.S.-China rivalry on the continent. Africa could find itself navigating this complex landscape, balancing relationships with both major powers to its advantage.
It’s Time For Africa First
The new administration will have significant implications for Nigeria and Africa broadly across a range of domains, from trade and investment to diplomacy, security, and global governance. African nations may need to proactively define and assert their interests to effectively engage with the U.S. under President Trump’s second term. By articulating clear priorities and seeking diversified partnerships, Africa can navigate and lead the evolving geopolitical environment to its benefit.
Granted, a second Trump presidency poses challenges for Africa in terms of reduced aid, limited engagement, and heightened geopolitical competition, it also presents an opportunity for African nations to assert greater agency, diversify partnerships, and strengthen intra-continental cooperation. Even in the U.S. diverse voices persist in protests and support for the new administration.
While it is still early days to accurately predict the direction of the new administration’s priorities, we know the policy direction remains America first. African nations and leaders should borrow a leaf to put Africa first and lead from a place of strategy and strength rather than weakness. For now, all the best to the good people of America as Africa and the world watches!
