Donald Trump’s second presidency redefined Washington’s relationship with Africa in 2025. From the shuttering of USAID and tariff upheavals, to major diplomatic blowups with South Africa and Nigeria, it was a tumultuous year for many traditional US allies and trading partners across the continent.
Looking ahead, Semafor canvased experts for their predictions on Washington’s ties with African countries in 2026 on a range of topics, from critical minerals to security.
I expect to see the US deepen partnerships with African countries at the intersection of critical minerals and artificial intelligence. US competitiveness and security depend on secure, ethical, and reliable supply chains, and while African countries must move from extraction to bankable, value-added industries, they also need to build resilience and foster innovation to claim a strategic seat in…
