**The New Trump Era and its Smiling Impact on Africa: An Unexpected Perspective**
On January 20, 2025, a new era dawns for the United States with the inauguration of Donald Trump, putting back on the table his geopolitical and economic ambitions that he believes are the path to an American “golden age.” His protectionist approach and his predisposition for bilateral agreements recall a bygone era when international relations were not only informal, but also intrinsically linked to specific national and economic interests. As African partners scrutinize developments in the approach of a relatively unexplored policy in the framework of African-American cooperation, there is an unexpected opportunity that deserves to be examined – that of African innovation and empowerment.
**A Transformative African Strategy**
During the Obama administration, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) program was seen as a boon by many African countries. This program allowed 32 nations to increase their trade with the United States, giving them access to a tariff-free market. However, Trump’s more isolationist approach could culminate in an opportunity to reassess trade dynamics within Africa itself.
As Trump reportedly considers reorienting US trade policy, this could force African economies to empower themselves and increase their intra-African trade. Indeed, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative is an example of this transformative dynamic underway. By reducing dependence on a single economic partner like the United States, this realignment could strengthen the long-term economic resilience of African nations.
**An Answer to Demographic Aspirations**
With a young, growing population and an expanding middle class, Africa has begun a demographic transition that sets it apart as a key player on the global stage. While Trump may take a cool stance on migration, it would be wise to highlight how immigration is an asset to the United States. The African diaspora is a bridge between the two continents, fostering cultural, economic, and potentially innovative collaborations.
Furthermore, a study by the Global African Diaspora Network concludes that remittances from African diasporas to their countries of origin will reach approximately $48 billion by 2023. This sum could surpass traditional foreign aid. Thus, rather than viewing Africa through the lens of migration threats, a skills-based collaboration could help capture and preserve talent while supporting local development.
**A Synergy in Technological Innovations**
The rapid evolution of financial technology in Africa, often referred to as “leapfrogging,” presents another opportunity. The startup ecosystem, fueled by innovative solutions, is attracting investors from around the world. While Trump may seek to strengthen trade relations with specific countries, he may also recognize the added value of cooperation in technology sectors. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are emerging as hubs of digital innovation.
The United States may see the African economic model as a valuable interlocutor to advance issues such as digital transition, cybersecurity, and even the supply chain for critical raw materials. Indeed, if Trump can put in place bilateral agreements on technology, this could create a new relational paradigm that fosters increased investment and exchange of expertise.
**Conclusion: A Long-Term Vision?**
The 2025 presidential election, with the return of Donald Trump, opens a new chapter. There is no doubt that the fears and incursions linked to a potential protectionist policy are provoking critical reflection among African leaders. However, through a more nuanced analysis, it is possible to explore alternative paths that generate not only change, but also opportunities for mutual enrichment.
The future of Africa, in the context of relations with the United States under Trump, may not be limited to a simple struggle for economic control, but could also move towards a partnership based on innovation, empowerment and respect for demographic aspirations. This would be a transformation, not of a one-way friendship, but of a collective quest for prosperity, propelled by a long-term vision that is worth exploring.