NAIROBI, Kenya – It is now emerging that African nations are keenly examining the long-term effects of Donald Trump’s first term as president as he gets ready for his second term.
The Trump administration’s policies, which prioritised domestic interests and were characterised by isolationism and protectionism, had a significant impact.
Many African officials and analysts worry that Trump’s second term will worsen the situation and make it more difficult for Africa to address significant concerns like social fairness, economic development, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
Trump’s “America First” strategy prioritised American political and economic interests over international collaboration.
Africa would be especially hurt by this isolationist strategy since the continent has relied heavily on U.S. assistance for trade deals, development initiatives, and diplomatic alliances to promote stability and prosperity.
Protectionism also played a significant role in Trump’s economic policies, which included pushing for renegotiated trade agreements that were advantageous to the United States and imposing tariffs on goods from other countries.
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African nations that relied on exporting agricultural products and raw materials to international markets suffered due to these policies, particularly his trade war with China, which slowed global trade.
Even while the president-elect has promised to impose tariffs on nations like China, Canada, and Mexico, the chain reaction will inevitably harm African nations.
Trump frequently chose bilateral talks over more comprehensive frameworks, undermining multilateral agreements, particularly trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
This decreased foreign assistance for Africa in crucial fields, including public health, climate change mitigation, and development aid.
The African nations and businesses that benefitted from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will suffer when it expires in 2025.
The United States witnessed a clear move towards conservative policies during Trump’s first term in office, with the Republican Party firmly promoting traditional values on social issues.
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This position emboldened anti-LGBTQ sentiment throughout Africa by signalling a withdrawal from international support for LGBTQ rights.
Queer people experience severe prejudice, harassment, and legal persecution in many African nations. Trump’s focus on religious conservatism and his administration’s resistance to progressive human rights legislation may have stifled LGBTQ rights activism in Africa.
Trump’s practices of appeasing conservative religious organisations are likely to continue in a second term in the White House, which could strengthen anti-LGBTQ legislation and rhetoric both domestically and internationally.
Without robust U.S. support, African LGBT activists—who frequently depend on international assistance to challenge repressive laws—would have a harder time advocating for change.
Disregarding climate sciences and the United States exit from the Paris Climate Agreement were hallmarks of the Trump administration’s environmental record.
African nations, which are especially susceptible to climate change’s consequences, including droughts, desertification, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, were deeply alarmed by these policies. Trump will unlikely alter his climate change position if elected to a second term.
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Efforts to address global environmental concerns may continue hampered by his administration’s deregulation, prioritisation of fossil fuel development, and lack of interest in international climate collaboration.
During his first term, Trump’s extreme immigration policies and the “Muslim ban” that targeted numerous African countries further strained ties between the United States and Africa.
African migrants and refugees may encounter even more difficulties in the future, such as stricter border restrictions and fewer opportunities for asylum or resettlement, as a result of the Trump administration’s focus on limiting immigration and giving national security issues precedence over humanitarian efforts.
In conclusion, Africa would face serious difficulties if Trump is elected president again in 2025.
His policies frequently prioritise American interests over global collaboration and threaten Africa’s advancement in critical fields, including immigration, human rights, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
The uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s foreign policy necessitates careful planning for African nations.
Although certain nations may benefit from the Trump administration’s emphasis on bilateral partnerships, the general trend is instability and disdain for the interests of the larger international community.
African countries must become more independent, diversify their international alliances, and bolster regional cooperation to protect themselves from any unfavourable effects of Trump’s policies.
Africa needs to be prepared for a possible return to a time of erratic diplomacy as Trump’s policies continue to influence U.S. foreign policy.
Dennis Lubanga is an award-winning journalist focusing on politics, climate change, the environment, and food security. He has previously held positions at TUKO.co.ke and Nation Media Group.
