As President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term, he will face a foreign policy agenda already fraught with major challenges. But amid pressing issues like ongoing war in Ukraine, The progress of the Iranian nuclear programand more and more Aggressive ChinaThere is one area that should not be neglected either: relations between the United States and Africa. Trump’s second term must focus on reversing the long-standing drift in U.S.-Africa relations. Neglecting Africa endangers U.S. interests both domestically and abroad.

It won’t be easy. Historically, U.S. engagement in Africa has oscillated between neglect and superficial interaction. From the Barbary Wars of the early 19th century to more recent military interventions, U.S. actions have often prioritized narrow interests over true partnership, leaving many African countries stuck in a cycle of instability and of underdevelopment and opening the door to their exploitation by other actors.

Over recent administrations, including Trump’s first term, US policy toward Africa has reflected this enduring tradition of disengagement. The first Trump administration saw America’s relations with countries on the continent marked by a business-centric approach that prioritized trade over strategy. Efforts like African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Thrive in Africa Initiative sought to strengthen economic ties. But these efforts have been undermined by a glaring lack of diplomatic and democratic support. In turn, this minimalism has painted a negative picture of American engagement in the region.

For his part, the Biden administration has focused more on diplomatic outreach on the continent through initiatives such as US-Africa Leaders Summitrejoining the Paris Agreement and supporting programs like AGOA and climate initiatives. However, these efforts have often been disjointed and superficial, leaving many African countries skeptical of the United States’ broader intentions. Delays in climate financing and vaccine distribution have further fueled concerns about the sincerity of the U.S. commitment.

This sporadic involvement falls far short of significantly countering the growing influence of China and Russia, both of which have made considerable progress. major advances on the continent over the last few years. This also represents a serious mistake, because Africa is of greater geopolitical importance than ever.

The continent boasts some of the most dynamic economies in the world, and this trend is set to continue. Africa is home to the fastest growing population in the world, with more than 60 percent of its citizens under the age of twenty-five, making it the youngest continent in the world. These demographics represent a transformative force that will shape global dynamics in the decades to come. The continent now faces the challenge of keeping pace with this rapidly growing population in terms of infrastructure, healthcare and access to education. These pressures require substantial investments, forcing African leaders to seek partners – a list from which Washington, at least for the moment, is conspicuously absent.

In geopolitical terms too, Africa is essential. It appeared as a formidable force shaping contemporary migration patterns, climate resilience and security challenges. Africa’s role as a source and transit point of migration will strongly influence regional stability in neighboring regions, from Europe to the Middle East. Furthermore, Africa’s vulnerability to climate change makes the continent’s progress inherently fragile, and greater investments are needed to foster resilience in regions heavily dependent on agriculture to avoid food insecurity, displacement and conflict.

These challenges have pushed regional governments to seek help from external actors. For their part, China and Russia have recognized these trends and decided to put their skin on the line, albeit in different ways.

China has become Africa’s largest economic partner, with annual trade of $282 billion. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the PRC has helped improve infrastructure spectacularly across the continent. In addition, financial aid from China is often accompanied by fewer conditions than that of its Western counterparts, thus increasing its appeal and crowding out American companies. This narrative resonates deeply in many African countries, fostering a sense of gratitude and partnership that stands in stark contrast to often critical views of Western intervention.

In contrast, Russia used Cold War tactics to increase its influence in Africa. Through the Wagner Group (now the Africa Corps), Moscow supports unstable regimes, guaranteeing defense deals and access to resources like diamonds, gold and uranium – assets that help finance its projects at home. ‘stranger, including Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Russia is also building alliances with African countries, leveraging historical ties and military cooperation to gain support from multilateral institutions. By presenting itself as a development partner and using media outlets like RT and Sputnik to promote anti-colonial narratives, Moscow positions itself as an alternative to the West. while systematically undermining Western influence.

However, in this bleak overall picture, the United States still has an opportunity to take a competitive stance. The new Trump administration has a unique opportunity to cultivate a dynamic partnership with Africa that transcends conventional diplomacy, deepens economic ties, balances security commitments, and revitalizes development efforts, while championing democracy and human rights.

Such a partnership must begin with the understanding that Africa is not just a battlefield but an increasingly important player in international relations. This requires going beyond the hackneyed narrative that Africa might matter “one day” to understand that African countries are, in fact, current partners whose needs the United States should take into account. needs and aspirations. This requires prioritizing the promotion of inclusive economic policies that empower local businesses and championing fair trade practices that enable African nations to compete globally.

The stakes are high. Unless it acts decisively, the United States could be relegated to the sidelines of great power competition, allowing others to shape Africa’s future and redefine trade and development. worldwide. The next president must grasp this reality and engage the country in a much deeper strategic engagement.

About the author:

Lily Harvey is a researcher and program officer at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and editor of the Council’s Africa Policy Monitor e-newsletter.

Image: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock.