For decades, Africa’s relationship with the US has been shaped largely by foreign aid, security partnerships, and economic ties that have fostered dependence rather than mutual benefit. Now, under Trump’s “renewed” leadership, this dynamic is being called into question, especially as his policies begin to impact critical sectors such as health, education, and security, causing unease across the continent.
On January 20, Trump announced a 90-day freeze on USAID funding, halting essential services and sparking outrage across the world. In 2024, USAID allocated more than USD 12 billion for sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of which was used for humanitarian and health aid.
Africa’s reliance on US policy shifts
While some policymakers argue that Trump’s decision to freeze aid is not unprecedented, his overall reluctance to engage with Africa was known. During his first term, he never visited the continent, nor did his administration host a US-Africa summit. Now, as he doubles down on his “America First” doctrine, Africa is left grappling with the consequences. But this moment of uncertainty is about more than Trump. It raises deeper, more critical questions about Africa’s vulnerability to US foreign policy shifts.
Why has Africa found itself so dependent on the whims of Washington’s decisions? Answering this question requires us to look at the historical and economic structures that have reinforced Africa’s position of subordination.
US wealth extraction and Africa’s subjugation
For decades, US policy has shaped Africa’s reality–not to empower the continent, but to maintain strategic dominance. The US has extracted wealth from Africa, particularly through its control over strategic minerals, often backing coups or supporting leaders who align with Washington’s economic and security interests.
The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a glaring example. The DRC, rich in vital resources such as cobalt and coltan, has been plagued by instability fueled by external interests. The escalation of the M23 offensive is fundamentally about resource control, with multinational corporations benefiting from the chaos.
Read more: The Rwanda-backed M23 offensive: a battle for Congo’s resources
The US is complicit in the crisis, backing regimes that safeguard its economic stakes while turning a blind eye to human rights violations and regional conflicts.
The fragile state of Africa’s health sector
Beyond security, Africa’s dependence on US aid is especially pronounced in the health sector. Programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have been considered lifelines for HIV/AIDS programs across the continent. Yet, the Trump administration’s decision to temporarily halt PEPFAR funding before issuing a 90-day waiver revealed just how fragile Africa’s public health systems are when reliant on US financial assistance.
Kenya, for instance, has received over KSh 1.26 trillion (USD 10 billion) in US health aid between 2001 and 2024. While these funds have supported healthcare initiatives, they have not addressed the weaknesses of Africa’s health infrastructure, which stem from its neoliberal framework of the commodification of health services. Instead of developing self-sufficient health systems, many African countries remain at the mercy of external donors who can withdraw support at will.
Breaking the cycle of dependence
The core issue is evident: US policies are not intended to empower African nations but to maintain their dependency. While African leaders recognize that this neocolonial arrangement is unsustainable, they have done little to dismantle it, as they too benefit from neoliberal policies. Trump’s second term is more than a wake-up call because US policy towards Africa has remained largely unchanged regardless of who occupies the White House. Instead of fixating on supposed shifts in US leadership, the real question is whether Africa will confront its imperial relationship with the US and chart a path toward self-sufficiency.
African nations must explore alternative alliances. Strengthening partnerships within BRICS and regional economic blocs could provide new avenues for growth. More importantly, Africa must prioritize industrialization, intra-continental trade, and sustainable economic policies that reduce reliance on external funding. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a crucial opportunity to build economic resilience and foster regional cooperation. If effectively implemented, it could shift Africa’s economic trajectory away from dependency and towards genuine self-reliance.
Learning from the Sahel: a push for sovereignty
The Sahel region offers an insightful case example on resistance against neocolonial influence. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have become focal points of defiance against French imperialism, expelling French troops and severing exploitative ties. These military-led governments have sought alternative partnerships with Russia, China, and other global players, in a geopolitical shift.
Read more: Sahel states exit ECOWAS, launch regional passport and joint military
This mass discontent is not limited to the Sahel; it resonates across the continent. From exploitative trade agreements to political interference by former colonial powers, Africans are increasingly questioning the status quo. The growing frustration among young Africans, social movements, and even some political leaders suggest that the demand for economic and political sovereignty is intensifying.
The question for Africa is no longer whether a Democrat or Republican administration will be more favorable, but whether the continent can finally take charge of its own destiny.
For too long, Africa has relied on external actors to dictate its economic and political future. The current global shifts ranging from changing US policies to emerging multipolar alliances should serve as a catalyst for African nations to redefine their strategies. The time for reactive diplomacy is over; African governments must proactively build institutions, economies, and alliances that prioritize their own development and dignity.
Trump’s second term is not Africa’s crisis, it is an opportunity to reimagine a future that is not tethered to the decisions made in Washington. The real challenge is whether African leaders will seize this moment or continue to reinforce the cycle of dependency that has held the continent back for decades.
Nicholas Mwangi is a member of the Ukombozi Library in Kenya.
