With the looming US election expected to usher in a new administration to the White House, African leaders and policymakers debate what it might mean for US-Africa relations. The outcome will have real implications for Africa’s economic development, trade policy, and diplomatic relations, depending on whether it is a Democratic presidency under Harris or back to a Republican administration under Trump.
The panel, “A New Era for US-Africa Relations?” at the Africa Summit, organized by the Financial Times in London, brought people together to discuss those possibilities. J. Peter Pham, former United States Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Sahel regions, presented how each administration might approach important issues on the continent. He indicated that even though the change of leadership brings new policies, the historical patterns would seemingly indicate that some US-Africa areas of engagement will remain very consistent, such as economic support and resource partnership.
Democracy Initiatives: A Change of Focus?
One of the discussions held was whether the new administration would maintain or change the emphasis that the Biden administration placed on democracy promotion in regions like the Sahel, whose instability has given rise to governance crises. A Harris presidency would predictably maintain assistance to democratic pursuits in Africa, whereas a Trump presidency would make US policy more about re-evaluating US priorities, placing greater emphasis on security and counterterrorism cooperation than governance reform. As Pham said, both parties regard Africa as an increasingly strategic continent, but their priorities would likely adjust based on what their other leading interests are in the US.
The Future of Development Projects: Rethinking US Aid
The future of US-backed development projects in Africa, ranging from healthcare to infrastructure, was also discussed. A Democratic administration might look to expand such projects, further entrenching US influence through long-term sustainable development, while a Republican administration would likely take a closer look at development aid, prioritizing those bilateral partnerships that promise quick returns. “While bipartisan support for long-term projects, such as PEPFAR, does mean some stability, each administration might bring its own focus to development aid,” said Pham.
US-South Africa Relations: Between Tensions and Diplomacy
With South Africa being an economic and political stronghold on the continent, any shift in US foreign policy will most definitely have a ripple effect on this bilateral relationship. Domestic politics of the US and shifting global alliances make this even more complex. While a Harris administration might focus on issues like climate change or regional stability collaboration, it might be trade recalibration or investment incentives under a Trump administration. We can already therefore believe,” he opined, “that the mutual benefits of cooperation will sustain the bilateral relationship even during those inevitable moments of tension.”
Balancing Continuity and New Approaches
As Africa prepares for a new phase in US relations, Pham was keen to underscore the need for African leaders to play active roles in shaping partnerships-whoever may be sitting in the White House. With one voice, African countries will be better placed to advance their interests and make sure that any policy changes by the US will meet the needs and aspirations of the continent.
With only months before the election of a new US administration, African leaders and diplomats are getting set to reach out amidst both expected continuity and possible change.
Chief Editor: Marian Gloria Gyamfi, Ghana
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