President Trump's administration is shifting US-Africa policy from aid to trade, slashing billions in foreign aid and promoting "commercial diplomacy." While boasting early trade deals totaling billions, this approach is causing concern among African nations due to high US tariffs impacting various sectors, including South Africa's automotive industry and Lesotho's textiles. The future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), crucial for duty-free access to the US market, remains uncertain, creating anxieties about economic consequences and potentially pushing African nations closer to China.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.