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President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has introduced a series of policy reforms that will significantly impact African nations.
President Trump’s changes include an array of environmental commitments, trade dynamics, foreign aid distribution, and social policies, each carrying worrying implications for the continent.
One of Trump’s initial actions was to recommence the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision mirrors his 2017 exit, which was later reversed by Joe Biden in 2021.
The US withdrawal previously disrupted international climate negotiations and contributions to climate finance. This aspect is crucial for developing nations, including those from Africa, to combat and adapt to a warming world.
The renewed exit raises concerns about diminished global climate efforts and reduced support for African countries facing environmental challenges. Despite the US being the top global emitter and highly impacted by climate catastrophes such as hurricanes and wildfires, Trump has continuously labelled the phenomenon a hoax.
The President’s ‘America First’ slogan further looks into amending trade negotiations and prioritizing US industries. This approach will automatically lead to adjustments in trade agreements and tariffs, directly affecting African economies.
At present, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) only permits duty-free exports from 32 African nations to the US. Many countries could soon face new trade recommendations, potentially limiting access to US markets and necessitating renegotiations.
Trump’s decision to suspend US foreign aid for 90 days to review and potentially reduce development assistance risks further challenges for Africans. Countries such as Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia – substantial recipients of US aid, particularly in health sectors like HIV/AIDS treatment and maternal health programs – could be disrupted immensely.
These suspensions could affect millions who rely on these services, diminishing the critical role of US aid in bolstering the health industry across Africa.
Similarly, there are concerns over the potential return of the global gag rule, a policy that prohibits US foreign aid from funding NGOs involved in abortion-related services. Previously enforced during Trump’s first term, this rule led to significant funding cuts for NGOs in Africa.
The policy’s return could once again impede healthcare access for millions of African women, increasing risks associated with unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
Under the new administration, the aid reduction may have broader geopolitical consequences. With the US potentially scaling back its involvement, African nations might seek other partnerships, notably with countries like China and Russia, which have been expanding their influence on the continent in recent years.
This shift has the potential to change the geopolitical landscape, affecting facets from infrastructure development to military alliances, as African countries navigate the changing priorities of world powers.
Trump’s policy reforms highlight various changes for Africa, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Africa’s leaders and policymakers should proactively engage with the changes, reassessing strategies to safeguard their economic interests, health initiatives, and environmental commitments reached so far.
With the US again under the leadership of an impulsive and headstrong leader, it’s important that Africa continues to diversify partnerships and strengthen intra-African collaborations to account for all possibilities.
There is a lot of potential within the continent, if leaders opt to switch on the positive side. Whether that will be given the opportunity to flourish remains to be seen.
