Introduction
On Tuesday the 5th of November 2024, the American people chose Republican candidate Donald Trump to govern the United States for the next four years. Does Donald Trump, the unpredictable man described by many Western observers, consider Africa a priority? Does the new tenant of the White House present himself as a threat to Africa in strategic areas of collaboration or partnership? More specifically, what about projects financed by the USA in certain African countries, or migration issues?
Africa is not of Particular Interest to the Future Trump Administration
In fact, an analysis of Donald Trump’s campaign speeches shows that Africa is not of particular interest to him, or at least not a priority. This is illustrated by the absence of issues relating to the Black continent in his speeches, whereas issues such as the Russo-Ukrainian crisis, the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, China and Europe were at the heart of his programme and rhetoric. However, it is important to emphasise that this presidential election was very well attended in Africa, given the importance of the issues at stake in a number of areas, including politics, diplomacy, and trade, as well as the huge amount of American funding in specific areas such as health, trade, and infrastructure through the Millennium Challenge Account.
Africa’s Concerns about the Future American Executive
There are many areas of concern for Africa. AGOA in the area of trade is one example. AGOA is a trade pact that allows eligible African countries to export products to the United States without paying taxes. Numerous projects are currently being implemented with American funding in the field of health and, more particularly, abortion, which could be suspended or stopped immediately insofar as the new tenant of the White House is against abortion. Finally, immigration will be subject to very restrictive measures, according to the Republican candidate. From the closing of borders to stop new waves of migrants entering the United States to the mass expulsion of those already here, a large number of whom are from African countries. Concern was also expressed by young people with plans to travel to the United States through the diversity lottery, which grants 55,000 permanent resident visas each year to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States.
Conclusion
The stakes are high for Africa, given the importance and diversity of the interests at stake. However, sometimes campaign rhetoric, some of which is delivered with strong emotions in order to appeal to particular electorates, can falter when faced with the realities on the ground. Wait and See!