As President-elect Donald Trump enters his second term, he will be confronted with a foreign policy agenda already fraught with critical challenges. But in the midst of pressing issues like ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran’s advancing nuclear programand an increasingly aggressive Chinathere is one area that should not be neglected either: US-Africa relations. Trump’s second term must focus on reversing the long-standing trend in US-Africa relations. Neglecting Africa endangers American interests both at home and abroad.

Doing so will not be easy. Historically, US involvement in Africa has oscillated between neglect and superficial interaction. From the Barbary Wars of the early nineteenth century to more recent military interventions, US actions have often prioritized narrow interests over genuine partnership, leaving many African nations trapped in a cycle of instability and underdevelopment – ​​and opening the door to their exploitation by other actors.

During recent administrations, including Trump’s first term, US policy toward Africa has reflected this persistent tradition of liberation. The first Trump administration saw US relations with the countries of the continent characterized by a business-centric approach that prioritized trade over strategy. Efforts that African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Prosper Africa Initiative tried to strengthen economic ties. But these efforts were undermined by a conspicuous lack of diplomatic and democratic support. This minimalism, in turn, painted a negative picture of US commitment to the region.

For his part Biden administration has focused more on diplomatic outreach to the continent via initiatives such as US-Africa Leaders’ Summitrejoins the Paris Agreement, and supports programs such as AGOA and climate initiatives. However, these efforts have often been disjointed and superficial, leaving many African nations skeptical of larger American intentions. Delays in climate finance and vaccine distribution have further fueled concerns about the sincerity of the US commitment.

This sporadic engagement falls far short of meaningfully countering the growing influence of China and Russia, both of which have major inroads on the continent in recent years. It also represents a grave error as Africa assumes greater geopolitical importance than ever before.

The continent boasts some of the fastest growing economies in the world, and this trend is poised to continue. Africa is home to the world’s fastest growing population, by over 60 percent of its citizens under the age of twenty-five, making it the youngest continent in the world. This demographic represents a transformative force that will shape global dynamics for decades to come. The continent now faces the challenge of keeping pace with this rapidly growing population in terms of infrastructure, healthcare and access to education. These pressures require significant investment, prompting African leaders to look for partners—a list from which Washington, at least for now, is conspicuously absent.

Even in geopolitical terms, Africa is of paramount importance. It has emerged as a formidable force shaping contemporary migration patterns, climate resilience and security challenges. Africa’s roles as both a source and transit point for migration will greatly affect regional stability in neighboring regions, from Europe to the Middle East. In addition, Africa’s vulnerability to climate change makes the continent’s progress inherently fragile, and greater investment is needed to foster resilience in regions highly dependent on agriculture to prevent food insecurity, displacement and conflict.

These challenges have led regional governments to seek help from external actors. China and Russia, for their part, have recognized these trends and decided to put skin in the game – albeit in different ways.

China has emerged as Africa’s largest economic partner, with annual trade at 282 billion dollars. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has helped improve infrastructure dramatically across the continent. In addition, China’s financial support is often included fewer conditions than their Western counterparts, expanding their appeal and crowding out American companies. This story resonates deeply with many African nations, fostering a sense of gratitude and partnership that stands in stark contrast to the often critical views of Western intervention.

In contrast, Russia has used Cold War tactics to increase its influence in Africa. By The Wagner group (now the Africa Corps), Moscow supports unstable regimes, secures defense contracts and access to resources such as diamonds, gold and uranium – assets that help finance its foreign ventures, including Putin’s war in Ukraine.

Russia is also building alliances with African nations, leveraging historical ties and military cooperation to gain support in multilateral institutions. By portraying itself as a development partner and using media such as RT and Sputnik to push anti-colonial narratives, Moscow is positioning itself as an alternative to the West. while systematically undermining Western influence.

But within this bleak overall picture, there is still room for the US to take a competitive stance. The incoming Trump administration has a unique opportunity to cultivate a dynamic partnership with Africa that transcends conventional diplomacy, intensifying economic ties, balancing security commitments, and revitalizing development efforts—all while championing democracy and human rights.

Such a partnership must begin with an understanding that Africa is not just a battlefield but an increasingly important player in international relations. This requires moving beyond the tired narrative that Africa may matter “someday” to an understanding that African countries are in fact today’s partners whose needs and aspirations the United States should take into account. Doing so requires prioritizing the promotion of inclusive economic policies that empower local businesses and champion fair trade that enables African nations to compete on a global scale.

The stakes are high. Failure to act decisively could leave the United States on the sidelines of great power competition, allowing others to shape Africa’s future and redefine global trade and development. The next president will need to understand this reality and commit the country to a much deeper strategic commitment.

About the author:

Lilly Harvey is a researcher and program officer at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, and editor of the council’s Africa Policy Monitor e-bulletin.

Image: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock.