As Americans head to the polls to elect the country’s 47th president, the world watches closely, with significant implications expected for international relations. The highly contested race between Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican contender and former President Donald Trump remains closely followed worldwide. However, neither candidate has outlined substantial policies for Africa, an omission that raises questions about their potential engagement with the continent.
During his previous term, Trump’s stance toward Africa oscillated between indifference and disdain. He made no official visits to the continent and displayed limited interest in its pressing concerns, including climate change. However, his administration did launch the Prosper Africa initiative, designed to boost American investments and connect with Africa’s expanding middle class. Should he win re-election, Trump is expected to maintain a primarily U.S.-focused agenda, with Africa potentially seeing little shift in priority.
Harris, who visited three African countries in March 2023, appears similarly restrained in her ambitions for the continent. Analysts anticipate that her policy approach would largely align with that of the Biden administration, which, while emphasizing economic partnerships, has not demonstrated robust engagement. President Joe Biden himself has only scheduled one official visit to Angola, set for December, just weeks before his term’s end.
With both candidates’ Africa strategies remaining minimal, the continent’s role in U.S. foreign policy remains unclear, leaving African observers questioning how the next administration might shape or neglect its ties with Africa.
