This Focus Paper examines the evolution of the United States (US) engagement with Africa during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second administration (January 2025 – January 2026), assessing whether it represents a departure from previous US approaches or not. Contrary to expectations of disengagement, the analysis finds that the US has reasserted itself on the African continent through a more coherent and structured policy than was the case during President Trump’s first term.
This renewed engagement is characterised by a decisive move away from aid based, values driven cooperation towards a transactional, geoeconomic approach centred on trade, investment and access to critical minerals and energy resources. Findings suggests that cooperation on security and defence remains a core pillar in US policy and is increasingly leveraged in support of economic objectives.
Download the Focus Paper 64Research lines: Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa; Middle East and North Africa
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Focus Paper 64
The Take-off of a Renewed US Engagement with Africa: Insights from the First Year of Trump 2.0