The first term of U.S. President Donald Trump was marked by an unprecedented, shortsighted Africa policy that left a trail of devastation in its wake. The rhetoric, decisions, and actions of his administration towards Africa—particularly Nigeria—revealed an alarming lack of understanding, respect, and strategic vision for the continent. Now, as Trump prepares to assume office for a second term, the potential for further damage looms large. The approach Trump has outlined for his second term threatens to deepen the already troubling impacts of his initial policies, especially in relation to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and a key player in regional stability, trade, and diplomacy.
A Recap of Trump’s First-Term Africa Policy: Neglect and Disrespect
Trump’s first-term approach to Africa has been widely criticized by experts, diplomats, and even African leaders themselves. His policy was devoid of a coherent long-term strategy and largely characterized by neglect, disdain, and unbalanced trade measures. One of the most infamous instances of this neglect was Trump’s crude and racist comment in 2018, where he referred to African nations as “shithole countries.” This comment, widely condemned across Africa, served as a clear indicator of the administration’s disregard for the continent.
Moreover, Trump’s “America First” mantra led to a focus on transactional relationships rather than building sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships. The U.S. reduced its foreign aid commitments to African nations and walked away from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord—decisions that had a direct, negative impact on countries like Nigeria, where environmental degradation and public health crises require urgent international attention. Trump’s disdain for multilateralism and support for authoritarian regimes in Africa further alienated Nigeria and its allies.
The Looming Threat: Trump’s Second-Term Africa Policy
Now, as Trump approaches his second term, the prospect of an even more dangerous Africa policy is growing. Trump’s rhetoric has become increasingly inflammatory, and his second-term policy proposals reflect an even more isolationist, protectionist, and divisive approach.
1. Trade: A Detrimental Shift Toward Protectionism
Under Trump’s first term, the U.S. imposed tariffs and barriers that undermined the potential for meaningful trade with African nations, including Nigeria. As part of his “America First” agenda, Trump targeted key Nigerian exports, particularly agricultural products like cocoa and oil, through protectionist policies designed to prioritize domestic industries at the expense of global trade. Nigeria, whose economy relies heavily on the export of oil and agricultural goods, felt the sting of these tariffs, which resulted in trade imbalances and reduced economic opportunities.
Trump’s second term promises to carry forward—and even escalate—this protectionist stance. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, relies on robust trade relations with global powers, including the U.S. Trump’s commitment to “fair trade” would likely lead to further tariffs, trade barriers, and a prioritization of bilateral agreements that exclude countries like Nigeria from the benefits of global economic integration. This will exacerbate Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with diversification, as it depends heavily on oil revenues and would suffer from reduced access to U.S. markets for non-oil exports.
Furthermore, Trump’s focus on reducing U.S. foreign aid to African nations, especially to those countries he perceives as economically unworthy, has been a hallmark of his first-term approach.
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Lagos, Nigeria, said a new American isolationism could result in some key programs being scrapped which could prove disastrous for an African continent that needs them.
2. Trump’s Return Sparks Concerns Over Renewed Muslim Travel Ban in Africa
The prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency has reignited fears and sparked mixed reactions in several predominantly Muslim African nations, many of which were affected by his administration’s controversial travel restrictions.
In 2017, Trump signed an executive order that barred citizens from countries, including Nigeria—Africa’s most populous nation—Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, and Myanmar, from obtaining visas that could lead to permanent U.S. residency. This move notably targeted nations with significant Muslim populations or those facing refugee crises.
Mohamed Husein Gaas, director of the Raad Peace Research Institute, noted that Trump’s election victory has elicited a range of responses in these countries, with many expressing concerns over the potential reimposition of such travel bans.
“The reaction across Somalia and other affected African countries has been a mix of concern and apprehension. Many individuals recall the disruptive effects of the travel restrictions on families, businesses and diplomatic relations,” Gaas said in an interview.
He said the travel ban created barriers for family reunification, limited educational and professional opportunities and strained bilateral ties.
A Nigerian expert, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed fears that Trump’s second term could spell trouble not only for Muslim-majority countries but for the global community as a whole.
“We are already on edge here in Nigeria. We don’t know what new travel restrictions he may impose this time,” he remarked.
Conclusion: The Perils of Trump’s Second Term for Nigeria
If the first term of President Donald Trump’s administration marked a period of unprecedented neglect and harm to Nigeria, his second term threatens to extend and intensify these disastrous policies. From trade protectionism to economic isolation, the consequences for Nigeria could be devastating.
Wariboko, a Social Ethics Professor at Boston University, United States, corroborated the above view.
“His antecedent tells us that this is a man that is going to promote white supremacy or even in another form: ‘America First’ in everything and that might not augur well for Nigeria or for Africa,” he said in an interview on Channels Television.
As Nigeria faces internal and external challenges in an increasingly complex world, it needs reliable international partners who will engage in a fair and equitable manner. Trump’s second-term Africa policy, which prioritizes short-term U.S. interests over long-term partnerships, is precisely the kind of misguided approach that will leave Nigeria—and indeed all of Africa—further marginalized on the global stage.
