The return of President Donald Trump to the White House has sparked a series of policy shifts with global ramifications, particularly for Africa. From aid and trade to security, immigration, and political relations, the changes under Trump’s second term are not mere ripples but seismic shifts that could reshape Africa’s relationship with the United States.
At the inaugural Strathmore University Knowledge Café on February 20, 2025, Dr. James Nyawo and Dr. Edgar Githua, esteemed scholars and researchers from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), took the stage to unpack the implications of the Trump 2.0 era for Africa.
Would Trump’s America embrace Africa or turn its back? Would Kenya maintain its status as a key U.S. ally, or would Washington focus on other partners? The discussion delved into these questions and more.
Dr. Nyawo was direct in his analysis. “Trump 2.0 is disruptive, but not unfamiliar. His approach is centered on U.S. interests,” he said. While Africa remains a strategic partner in America’s fight against terrorism, Dr. Nyawo cautioned that global competition between the US and China, could overshadow Africa’s role. The discussion covered four main areas: trade, security, political relations, and aid.
Trade: The Future of AGOA
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was a key topic in the trade section. AGOA has been a vital platform for U.S.-Africa engagement, but with its renewal looming in September 2025, Africa faces a critical moment. Dr. Nyawo questioned whether African countries would be able to negotiate from a position of strength or remain fragmented, vulnerable to exploitation.
Dr. Githua pointed to Rwanda’s 2016 removal from AGOA following a dispute over a ban on imported used clothing as an example of the challenges African nations face when they do not present a united front.
Echoing Dr. Githua, Dr Nyawo urged that “Africa must negotiate as a bloc, under African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a platform.” urging greater cohesion for maximum benefit.
Aid: A Double-Edged Sword
Dr. Nyawo also addressed the issue of foreign aid, particularly in light of Trump’s executive order halting all foreign aid due to concerns over accountability. The impact on Africa has been significant, especially considering the continent’s reliance on foreign assistance for critical health and economic programs.
However, Dr. Nyawo raised an important question: “Is aid always beneficial for Africa?” While USAID is a strategic tool for U.S. influence, Africa must consider how much control external donors should have over its future. He voiced concern over the continent’s dependency on foreign funding, stating,
“As an African researcher, it still bothers me that we must look outside for funds to solve problems plaguing the continent.” Dr. Nyawo argued that African countries must address their own funding priorities, accountability, and governance, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to reduce reliance on foreign aid.
Security: Counterterrorism and Kenya’s Role
Dr. Edgar Githua brought a realist perspective to the security discussion, emphasizing that while U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa would likely continue, Trump would likely avoid deploying troops on the continent. He highlighted the evolving role of Kenya in U.S. security strategy, noting that the country’s diplomatic stance on Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could impact Kenya’s relationship with Washington.
Dr. Githua also pointed out the potential revocation of Kenya’s Major Non-NATO Ally status, which was granted in 2020. While Kenya benefits from this partnership in defense and security cooperation, the handling of ongoing regional conflicts in the DRC and Sudan could influence future U.S.-Kenya relations.
BRICS and Africa’s Strategic Position
Dr. Githua also highlighted the growing influence of BRICS, an economic bloc of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He argued that, as more African countries seek to align with BRICS for economic and political advantages, it is crucial for Africa to recognize that the group, like the U.S., prioritizes its own interests.
The potential expansion of BRICS could offer African nations access to new markets, trade relationships, and global influence, but it also presents challenges in balancing the interests of existing members while ensuring the benefits of expansion are equally shared.
A Crossroads for Africa
The Knowledge Café discussion raised a fundamental question: Will Africa remain a playing field for global powers, or will it seize control of its destiny? The consensus was clear. Africa stands at a crossroads, especially with the potential full withdrawal of U.S. aid. Governments will be forced to seek alternative funding, but is this the catalyst for Africa to embrace self-sufficiency?
“Africa needs to break the barriers that divide us. We must stop being influenced by external parties and work as a united front,” Dr. Githua urged.
As the discussion made clear, the Trump presidency presents challenges and opportunities for Africa. The continent’s response to these shifts will determine whether it continues to be shaped by external forces or emerges as a more autonomous player on the global stage.
Barnabas Owuor, a graduate assistant in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, moderated the inaugural Knowledge Café. His insightful grasp of Kenya’s international relations made the session engaging and thought-provoking. The session attracted attendance from staff and students, proving to be a stimulating intellectual discourse on current issues of the day.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu
