The upcoming US election will shape the relationship between the United States and African countries, with current Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the main candidates. Both have not presented specific multilateral or economic strategies for Africa, so their past actions provide insight into their future engagement with the continent. Trump’s presidency saw the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, impacting reproductive health services and climate change efforts in Africa. However, the Trump administration did advance trade opportunities with Africa through AGOA and Prosper Africa, as well as providing aid to African countries.
In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration has already reversed many of Trump’s policies, such as the Global Gag Rule and rejoining the Paris Agreement. They also relaunched the Prosper Africa plan with a focus on energy, climate solutions, health, and digital technology, resulting in significant bilateral trade and investment agreements with African nations. Biden has shown a commitment to Africa through the US-Africa Leaders Summit and continued support for AGOA, although the act is set to conclude in September 2025. Harris, if elected as president, would need to elevate African representation in multilateral institutions and engage in meaningful partnerships with African nations.
Trump’s America First agenda is centered on economic nationalism, potentially leading to a lack of support for renewing AGOA despite its benefits for African countries. In contrast, Biden and Harris advocate for a more international approach, with Biden supporting the renewal and modernization of AGOA. Harris, if elected, must go beyond rhetoric and prioritize African representation and agency on the international stage. Building partnerships with African nations and engaging in meaningful efforts to address global challenges will be essential for her administration to deliver on its promises to Africa.
While the Biden-Harris administration has demonstrated a commitment to Africa, including through the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign and the US-Africa Leaders Summit, there is room for improvement in its engagement with the continent. Harris, as a potential future president, must ensure that her administration upholds its commitments to Africa and works towards elevating African voices and contributions on the global stage. Ultimately, the relationship between the United States and Africa will be shaped by the approach taken by the next administration, whether it be Trump’s inward-looking agenda or Harris’ potential for inclusive and productive collaboration with African nations.
