Trump’s Policies And The African Countries -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

Since his inauguration as the USA 47th president, Donald Trump, has been implementing radical policies that continue to stir mixed reactions globally. Donald Trump through his executive orders has succeeded in deporting many undocumented immigrants, increase import tariffs to Mexico, Canada and China. He also stated his country ‘s withdrawal from membership of World Health Organisation (WHO), scrap USAID an agency that funds and intervene in health programmes like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria particularly in developing countries including Nigeria. It is estimated in 2024 alone, Nigeria had received over 2.1 trillion grant from USAID. Additionally, Donald Trump has made controversial statement such as reclaiming Panama Canal, make Canada to be the 51 state in the USA and above all sending Palestine to Egypt and Jordan. All these draconian policies statement from president Donald Trump have sparked fears and condemnation. Yes, president Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises tagged “American first” While there is nothing wrong for president Trump to fulfill his campaign promises made to electorates, including massive deportation of allies who he repeatedly accused for involving in all manner of crimes against the good people of American, he needs to re-evaluate and retrace some of his administration’s negative policies.

For instance, the new tariff imposed on good and services produce by American against Mexico, Canada and China will have a catastrophic backlash. Those countries which will suffer severe consequences of American new tariff will slam same and enforce it against the USA. The increase in tariff will lead to inflation and push more citizens to poverty. Though, president Donald Trump, has appealed to Americans to exercise patience as the new tariff is for the collective good of the country, the move will do more harm than good to international trade. The prices of good and services in those countries will skyrocket and ultimately deplete the purchasing power of their citizenry and by extension the world at large. The decision of president Donald Trump to cut off aid to African countries has come like a thunderstorm. African countries have been enjoying grant from US for decades. The aids which amounted to billions of dollars are meant to combat poverty and disease. However, these slush funds have been corruptly embezzled with little to show by the African leaders.

With African countries among the worst hit of Trump policies, health education and other programmes that require emergency funding are likely to be affected. But how African countries can absorb the shock emerging from Donald Trump unexpected August gift? African countries can minimize the effects of Donald Trump’s stoppage of aid by diversifying their funding sources and exploring alternative partnerships. For instance, African countries can reduce their dependence on US aid by seeking funding from other countries, international organisations and private investors. Besides,there is the need to strengthen regional partnerships. Regional economic communities like the African Union, ECOWAS, and SADC can provide a platform for African countries to share resources, expertise, and risk. African countries can focus on increasing domestic revenue through taxation, improving tax administration, and leveraging natural resources.

Moreover, African countries can explore partnerships with other countries in the Global South, such as China, India, and Brazil, which can provide alternative funding sources and technical assistance. African countries should also prioritize critical minerals. Many African countries are rich in critical minerals like crude oil, cobalt, lithium, and nickel etc and can leverage on these resources to negotiate better trade and investment deals with the US and other countries. By adopting these strategies, African countries can reduce their vulnerability to aid stoppages and promote sustainable economic development.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State 08169056963.