Panel 6: U.S.-Africa Relations 2025-2029: Assessing Trump’s “America First” Approach to Africa and Global Development (Makerere University)
This topic examines how Donald Trump’s return to the presidency will reshape U.S. policy toward Africa from 2025-2029, analyzing both continuities and changes from his first term while providing a balanced assessment of potential opportunities and challenges for African nations. The analysis focuses on five key dimensions, the Economic Engagement that looks at Trump’s shift toward bilateral “reciprocal” trade agreements with African nations, reduced multilateralism, and strategic competition with China in Africa.
The discussions on security cooperation will consider the evolution of counterterrorism partnerships under Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine, with implications for the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and maritime security. Development aid, American soft power diplomacy, is being radically reformed, as evidenced by the administration’s actions on USAID. The discussion will explore Trump’s proposed transformation of traditional aid mechanisms into “prosperity partnerships” emphasizing private sector investment,, and reduction of perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Other important aspects of the topic would be the energy and resource diplomacy being pushed by the Trump administration, as reflected in Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda with Ukraine, Greenland, and Canada. The discussion will explore how this might relate to African resource development, with decreased emphasis on climate initiatives and increased focus on critical minerals access.
Finally, the topic considers the impacts of Trump’s “merit-based” immigration proposals on African migration patterns, diaspora communities, and cultural/educational exchanges.
- Session Type: Keynote Address
- Time: 2:00 pm
- Venue: Yusuf Lule CTF building at Makerere University (Broadcasted)
Meet the Panelists
Mathias Semanda
International Relations Office, Makerere University
Awel Uwihanganye
Chief Advancement Officer/ Deputy Chief International Relations, Makerere University Kampala
Dr. Edward Kaweesi
lecturer, Makerere University
Dr Eunice Akullo
Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Makerere University