Trump’s Africa pivot: trade over aid as U.S. unveils commercial diplomacy strategy

The Trump administration has launched a bold new strategy to reshape U.S.-Africa relations,shifting focus from aid to aggressive commercial engagement.

Announced in Abidjan on 14 May,the U.S. Commercial Diplomacy Strategy repositions diplomacy to prioritize trade,private investment,and strategic deal-making,aiming to counter China’s dominant economic presence across the continent. “From Washington we see what everyone in this room sees — Africa’s extraordinary commercial potential,” said Ambassador Troy Fitrell,head of the Africa Bureau,highlighting Africa’s projected $16 trillion purchasing power by 2050. Under the new approach,U.S. ambassadors will be judged by the volume and quality of business deals they facilitate,not just diplomatic outreach.

Each U.S. mission will establish a “Deal Team” to identify trade opportunities,fast-track investments,and connect American firms with local partners. The State Department has also launched a Commercial Diplomacy Academy to train diplomats in navigating Africa’s complex markets and regulatory landscapes. The strategy includes support for major infrastructure ventures like the $4 billion Lobito Corridor and a $4.7 billion U.S.-backed LNG project in Mozambique — clear counters to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. But “this isn’t just about competing with China,it’s about staying relevant in Africa’s economic future,” a senior official familiar with the new strategy noted.

Critics,however,warn that eliminating aid and relying solely on market-driven outcomes risks alienating key partners. Experts argue that unless Washington boosts long-term institutional investment and aligns with African priorities,the U.S. will struggle to match China’s systemic and state-led engagement. “The risk premium on Africa remains quite high and America’s general view of Africa as a risky place for investment remains prevalent,” says Cameron Hudson,a former U.S. official,stressing that unlike China,the U.S. des not have state-owned or state-controlled industries it could direct into strategic areas.