Has the American Era in Africa Ended?

On February 1, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a policy brief titled “Bringing U.S. Foreign Policy Back Home: Prioritizing American Interests First,” outlining a shift in American diplomatic priorities. The document emphasizes strengthening relations within the Western Hemisphere—particularly with Central and South America—over ties with Africa and other regions.

This approach reflects Rubio’s broader vision of aligning U.S. foreign policy more closely with national interests, focusing on areas that directly impact American security, economic growth, and regional stability. The document asserts that fostering stronger relations with neighboring countries will lead to a more prosperous Western Hemisphere, benefiting both the U.S. and its regional partners. By prioritizing these relationships, the second Trump administration aims to address shared challenges such as migration, trade, and security while reducing reliance on distant alliances that may not align closely with America’s immediate objectives.

This policy shift marks a significant departure from previous global strategies, emphasizing pragmatism and efficiency in U.S. diplomacy. It underscores President Trump’s commitment to advancing “core national interests” by reallocating resources to regions deemed most critical for America’s future prosperity and security. But what does this mean for Africa? This article explores the implications.

The Risks of Cutting Funding to South Africa

President Donald Trump’s decision to halt all U.S. funding to South Africa over its new land expropriation law has sparked widespread debate and concern. Trump accused the South African government of “grave human rights violations” by enacting the law, which allows land seizures under specific conditions—a policy aimed at addressing historical injustices from the apartheid era.

However, his claims have been widely refuted by South African leaders and civil society groups, except for AfriForum, a right-wing organization advocating for Afrikaner rights and opposing the law. The South African government clarified that the law ensures fair compensation and mirrors expropriation laws in the U.S. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s assurances that U.S. aid—apart from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which funds 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS program—is limited, the potential loss of American support could have severe consequences.

For example, in 2024 alone, the U.S. provided $453 million in PEPFAR funding and $60 million through USAID for initiatives like climate change mitigation and violence prevention. Trump’s abrupt funding cuts align with his broader freeze on foreign aid and the dismantling of USAID—measures that could destabilize African nations reliant on such assistance.

Critics argue that Trump’s stance—having never visited Africa during his first term—reflects a misunderstanding of the continent’s complexities and is influenced by far-right figures like Elon Musk, who has echoed anti-South African rhetoric. This move signals deteriorating U.S.-South Africa relations and raises concerns about rising authoritarianism and declining global commitment to human rights under Trump.

What Does Africa Lose Under Trump’s Policies?

Trump’s second term has placed Africa on an even more marginal footing than his first. In 2022, each African nation received between $125 million and $500 million in U.S. aid, supporting health, food security, governance, and security programs. For instance, in 2024 alone, USAID allocated $8 billion to African aid programs, with major recipients including Nigeria ($622 million), Mozambique ($564 million), and Kenya ($512 million).

The withdrawal of U.S. support could severely hinder economic growth and humanitarian efforts across the continent. Programs promoting democracy, human rights, and security accounted for 10% of U.S. aid to Africa in 2024. Without this funding, nations already struggling with poverty and weak governance may see increased human rights abuses and declining public trust in their governments—creating fertile ground for extremist groups to exploit grievances, particularly in West Africa, Somalia, and Mozambique.

Trump’s “America First” foreign policy has also led to the dismantling of USAID programs and a freeze on most foreign aid, disrupting critical initiatives addressing food insecurity, healthcare access, and climate resilience. In 2024, the U.S. provided $6.6 billion in humanitarian aid to sub-Saharan Africa. The freeze risks leaving millions without essential services, such as HIV/AIDS treatment under PEPFAR or emergency food aid during crises.

Moreover, as U.S. engagement wanes, extremist groups may gain momentum, while major powers like China or Russia expand their influence through investments or military cooperation. Trump’s policy shift represents a retreat from global leadership, undermining decades of U.S.-Africa partnerships aimed at fostering stability and development.

What Does the U.S. Lose by Exiting Africa?

The U.S. risks significant losses by reducing its engagement in Africa, with consequences spanning economic, security, geopolitical, and humanitarian spheres. Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and emerging markets, offering vast trade and investment opportunities. By stepping back, the U.S. loses access to these markets, allowing competitors like China to dominate economically through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

For example, China-Africa trade reached $282 billion in 2021, compared to just $64 billion for U.S.-Africa trade. This disparity limits American companies’ ability to tap into Africa’s growing consumer base and natural resources, resulting in missed opportunities in sectors like technology, agriculture, and energy.

A reduced U.S. presence also creates a vacuum that extremist and insurgent groups could exploit. Regions like the Sahel and the Horn of Africa already face instability due to groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-Shabaab. The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Niger, for instance, weakens counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel—a critical region for containing global terrorism threats. Additionally, groups like Al-Shabaab are strengthening ties with Yemen’s Houthis, potentially expanding their reach into areas that directly threaten U.S. interests.

Ultimately, a U.S. exit from Africa would stall vital development initiatives, exacerbate instability and poverty, and disrupt geopolitical alliances—undermining America’s ability to promote democracy and human rights while diminishing its global influence.

What Can Be Done?

In summary, we are witnessing a historic moment signaling the “end of the American era” under Trump’s administration—marked by a retreat from global leadership, democratic values, and civil rights initiatives due to nationalist and isolationist policies. Critics argue these shifts erode America’s historical role as a beacon of freedom and democracy, reflecting its declining global influence as other powers rise in a more multipolar world.

To mitigate the impact of reduced U.S. funding under Trump, African nations must adopt a multifaceted strategy focusing on:

1. Mobilizing Domestic Resources—Strengthening tax systems, curbing illicit financial flows, and enhancing public spending transparency to fund critical sectors like healthcare and education.
2. Boosting Intra-African Trade—Leveraging frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance economic resilience, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign markets.
3. Diversifying International Partnerships—Engaging rising powers like China, India, and the EU to secure alternative funding and investment for development projects.
4. Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships—Attracting private investment in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy to fill gaps left by dwindling foreign aid.
5. Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation—Countering unconventional threats like terrorism and smuggling without over-reliance on external military assistance.

By adopting these policies, Africa can better navigate the challenges posed by declining U.S. aid while advancing long-term development goals. As Kwame Nkrumah once said: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” This underscores the continent’s inherent strength in unity and its ability to overcome challenges through shared objectives and solidarity.