Trump and Biden’s African Legacies: What the Next President Must Do Differently

Introduction

The relationship between the United States and Africa is critical in shaping global geopolitical dynamics. The policies of President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden towards Africa have presented contrasting approaches. This article explores what the upcoming US president’s policy towards Africa should look like by comparing the Trump and Biden administrations, considering Africa’s emerging multipolarity.

Trump’s Africa Policy

President Trump’s Africa policy was largely defined by his “America First” doctrine, focusing on security and economic interests with limited direct engagement.

1. Security Focus: The Trump administration emphasized counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and other regions, supporting local governments through military aid and partnerships, such as the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. This strategy aimed to curb the influence of extremist groups and maintain regional stability, albeit with a heavy reliance on military solutions [❞] [❞].
3. Economic Strategy: The Prosper Africa initiative aimed to increase trade and investment. However, protectionist trade policies and proposed cuts to foreign aid undercut these efforts. The focus on economic self-interest often led to reduced engagement in broader development initiatives that could have fostered more sustainable growth [❞] [❞].
5. Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic engagement was minimal, with fewer high-level visits and controversial remarks that strained relations. The administration’s policies often lacked a cohesive strategy towards Africa, leading to criticisms of neglect and inconsistent engagement [❞].

Biden’s Africa Policy

President Biden’s approach has marked a return to multilateralism and re-engagement with Africa, focusing on democratic governance, health, and sustainable development.

1. Diplomatic Engagement: Biden has revived high-level diplomatic engagements, such as the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, signaling a commitment to strengthening partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests. This approach aims to rebuild trust and cooperation that was perceived to be lacking during the Trump administration [❞] [❞].
3. Health and Climate: The administration has prioritized global health initiatives, including COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and emphasized climate change, supporting sustainable development projects. These efforts are intended to address both immediate health crises and long-term environmental challenges, reflecting a comprehensive approach to African development [❞].
5. Economic Partnerships: Biden has continued to promote economic ties through initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and support for African entrepreneurship and innovation. This includes efforts to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment and economic diversification [❞] [❞].

Africa’s Multipolarity

Africa’s growing engagement with multiple global powers underscores its strategic importance. Russia’s presence in the Sahel, China’s extensive economic investments, and increasing partnerships with countries like India and the UAE highlight Africa’s multipolar dynamics.

1. Russia: Russia has expanded its influence through military engagements and resource extraction deals, especially in the Sahel, using the Wagner Group to support local governments and gain access to resources. This involvement has often exacerbated conflicts and led to increased instability [❞] [❞].
2. China: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to significant infrastructure investments, making China a dominant economic player in Africa. These projects have facilitated trade and development but also raised concerns about debt sustainability and sovereignty [❞].
3. Other Global Players: Countries like India, the UAE, and Italy are also seeking strategic partnerships with African nations, contributing to the continent’s multipolarity. These relationships are driven by mutual interests in trade, investment, and geopolitical influence [❞].

Recommendations for the Upcoming US President

To effectively engage with Africa in this multipolar context, the upcoming US president should consider a balanced approach that integrates successful elements from both Trump and Biden administrations while addressing current geopolitical realities.

1. Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement: Building on Biden’s re-engagement efforts, the US should continue high-level diplomatic visits and establish consistent communication channels with African leaders. This includes addressing the concerns raised by African nations regarding perceived Western hypocrisy and ensuring respect for their sovereignty [❞] [❞].
2. Balanced Security and Development Focus: While maintaining security partnerships to combat terrorism, the US should also emphasize development aid and support for democratic governance. This dual approach can help mitigate the adverse effects of purely security-focused interventions seen during Trump’s tenure. Fostering local capacity and governance can lead to more sustainable peace and development [❞] [❞].
3. Economic Partnerships and Trade: Expanding initiatives like Prosper Africa and AGOA, the US should promote trade and investment that benefits both American and African economies. Encouraging private sector involvement and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa can create sustainable economic growth. This requires addressing trade barriers, improving market access, and supporting value-added industries [❞] [❞].
4. Climate and Health Initiatives: Continuing Biden’s focus on climate change and health, the US should support sustainable development projects and global health initiatives. Addressing climate change’s impact on Africa and improving health infrastructure will be crucial in building resilient societies. Collaborative efforts in renewable energy, conservation, and public health can foster long-term partnerships [❞].
5. Leveraging Multilateral Platforms: The US should actively participate in multilateral forums involving Africa, such as the African Union and regional economic communities. Collaborating with other global powers in these platforms can help address shared challenges and foster cooperative solutions. This multilateral approach can enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of US policies in Africa [❞] [❞].

Conclusion

The upcoming US president should adopt a comprehensive and nuanced policy towards Africa that combines diplomatic engagement, balanced security and development efforts, robust economic partnerships, and active participation in multilateral platforms. Learning from the successes and shortcomings of the Trump and Biden administrations, the US can effectively navigate Africa’s multipolar landscape and strengthen its partnerships with this dynamic and diverse continent.