As the world’s most influential superpower, the United States plays a pivotal role in global diplomacy, economic aid, and international conflict resolution. The re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump ushers in a new diplomatic era, especially in terms of U.S. foreign policy toward Africa. Trump’s victory holds significant implications for the direction of U.S. relations with the continent, particularly with countries like Ethiopia, and has analysts searching for historical precedents.
Zemedeneh Negatu, Ethiopian-American Global Chairman of the Fairfax Africa Fund, commented on Trump’s second term, noting that it could be a continuation of his first-term policies, with some changes expected due to his expanded mandate. He pointed out that, regardless of whether the U.S. is under a Democratic or Republican administration, Africa has traditionally been a low priority in U.S. foreign policy, largely due to the economic focus of U.S. national interests. The bilateral trade between the U.S. and Africa constitutes only about 1% of U.S. global trade, which has led to Africa being overlooked in favor of more economically strategic regions.
Despite this, Zemedeneh suggested that Trump may shift focus in his second term, moving from aid to investment. He noted that while the U.S. has historically been generous with aid, it has had limited impact on Africa’s overall development. Instead, Trump could prioritize engaging Africa in a more meaningful way by fostering economic partnerships through investment.
When discussing the future of the U.S.-Africa summit, Zemedeneh expressed doubt that the U.S. would engage with all African nations on an equal level. Instead, he predicted that the U.S. would likely focus its attention on select countries that hold greater geopolitical or economic significance. He also emphasized the growing importance of Africa in global geopolitics, as the continent increasingly becomes a battleground for influence between the West and emerging powers like China and Russia.
The recent BRICS summit in Russia, where South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt were involved, highlighted the rising influence of non-Western powers in Africa. The discussions around South-South cooperation and de-dollarization, along with the potential to bypass systems like SWIFT, indicate a shift in Africa’s geopolitical alliances. For the U.S., this means that engagement with Africa may no longer be a blanket approach but rather a selective one, focusing on key nations with strategic roles in the global economy.
He also anticipated that Trump’s administration would likely move away from promoting certain controversial issues in Africa, such as cultural and ideological matters. Instead, he expected the U.S. to focus more on pragmatic and mutually beneficial economic engagements, addressing the continent’s growth potential and strategic importance.
In summary, Trump’s second term could herald a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Africa, with a greater emphasis on investment over aid, and a more selective approach to engagement based on geopolitical considerations.
BY HAILE DEMEKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 10 NOVEMBER 2024
