Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 brought with it a resurgence of the “America First” doctrine, a policy framework rooted in prioritizing U.S. interests above all else. This ideology, highlighted during his inaugural address with the declaration, “The Golden age of America begins right now,” has wide-ranging implications for global geopolitics, particularly for Africa. While the phrase “America First” may signify self-reliance and sovereignty for the United States, its corollary— “Africa Last”—emerges as an unintended yet glaring consequence for a continent often marginalized in global policy considerations. This essay examines how executive orders by Trump, framed within his “America First” agenda, impact Africa in areas such as trade, foreign aid, health, and international alliances.
One of the most significant aspects of the “America First” doctrine is its focus on renegotiating trade agreements to benefit U.S. industries. This stance often sidelines African economies that depend heavily on favorable trade policies with the U.S.
For instance, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible African countries, is now under scrutiny.
Trump’s administration has signaled its intention to revise or reduce trade benefits for countries not aligning with U.S. strategic interests.
This could harm industries such as textiles, agriculture, and mining, which rely on U.S. markets. African leaders are increasingly turning to other alliances, such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), to fill the potential void.
These countries offer alternative markets and investments, particularly China, which has already established itself as Africa’s largest trading partner.
However, this shift may exacerbate Africa’s dependency on nations whose policies may not always prioritize equitable development.
Donald Trump and his policies
Under Trump’s leadership, foreign aid is viewed less as a humanitarian obligation and more as a transactional tool.
During his first term, Trump reduced funding for initiatives that did not directly benefit U.S. interests, and his latest policies suggest a continuation of this trend.
A notable example is the reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, which prohibits U.S. funding to organizations that provide or promote abortion services.
This policy has disproportionately impacted African nations, where healthcare systems rely heavily on international aid.
The loss of funding has led to a reduction in sexual and reproductive health services, further marginalizing vulnerable groups, including women and LGBTQI+ individuals.
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In his inaugural address, Trump declared, “We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer,” reinforcing the notion that aid will only flow where it aligns with U.S. priorities.
Withdrawing US from WHO
Moreover, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) during his previous term weakened global health efforts.
While the U.S. has since rejoined, his administration’s skepticism towards multilateral organizations raises concerns about the future of partnerships critical to fighting diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola—challenges that disproportionately affect Africa.
Africa’s healthcare challenges, particularly those related to infectious diseases, require robust international collaboration.
Trump’s focus on domestic health priorities and his executive orders reducing funding for global health initiatives could undermine decades of progress.
For example, the fight against HIV/AIDS, where U.S. programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have played a pivotal role, may face setbacks.
The LGBTQI+ community in Africa, already marginalized, could suffer further under policies that neglect targeted health interventions.
Trump’s inaugural promise to “restore safety” may resonate domestically, but for many Africans, these policies represent the erosion of international solidarity in addressing shared health crises.
Trump’s expansion of the travel ban to include several African nations, including Somalia, Sudan, and Nigeria, highlights his administration’s hardline stance on immigration.
Justified as a national security measure, this policy disrupts familial ties, educational opportunities, and business engagements.
African students, who once sought the U.S. as a prime destination for higher education, now face barriers that drive them towards countries like Canada, China, and Germany.
The Impact
The human cost of such policies is profound, as they reinforce a narrative of exclusion and inequality. Trump’s assertion that “Our safety will be restored” resonates with his domestic base but alienates populations abroad who feel targeted and devalued.
Africa has long been a focal point for U.S. counterterrorism efforts, particularly in regions plagued by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS affiliates.
However, Trump’s inward-focused policies signal a potential reduction in U.S. military and financial support for these initiatives.
His declaration that “Our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free” underscores a shift towards domestic security concerns.
This realignment may leave African nations to grapple with security threats independently or seek alternative partnerships.
Countries like Russia and China are already stepping into the void, offering military training, weapons, and financial aid.
While this diversification of security partnerships may benefit Africa in the short term, it also introduces new geopolitical complexities.
Africa is among the region’s most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement during his first term, coupled with his administration’s emphasis on fossil fuel production, sends a troubling signal.
His stance reflects a retreat from global environmental commitments, leaving Africa to bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
Options for Africa
In his inaugural address, Trump declared, “We will be the envy of every nation.” However, this vision excludes the collaborative efforts needed to address global challenges like climate change.
African nations, recognizing the gap left by U.S. disengagement, are increasingly looking to BRICS countries for support in green technology and climate financing.
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As the U.S. retreats from multilateral engagements, BRICS nations are stepping in to fill the void. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for instance, has transformed infrastructure across Africa, while India has increased investments in renewable energy projects.
South Africa, as the only African member of BRICS, serves as a bridge, advocating for the continent’s interests within this influential bloc.
While these partnerships offer opportunities, they also come with challenges, including concerns about debt sustainability and unequal power dynamics.
Nevertheless, Africa’s pivot towards BRICS highlights the continent’s resilience and determination to navigate a shifting global order.
Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine, while aimed at revitalizing U.S. prosperity, often translates to “Africa Last” in the global hierarchy of priorities.
A chance to explore new partnerships
His executive orders and policies, from immigration bans to reduced foreign aid, underscore a transactional approach that marginalizes Africa’s needs.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for Africa to redefine its global partnerships and assert its agency.
By strengthening intra-continental alliances through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and engaging with emerging powers like BRICS, Africa can chart a path towards self-reliance and sustainable development.
The “America First” era may sideline Africa in U.S. policy, but it also serves as a catalyst for the continent to prioritize its own interests and build a future where “Africa First” becomes a reality.
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