At the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, optimism quickly turned into pointed criticism as African heads of state delivered one of the most unified rebukes Washington has faced in recent years.
What began as an opportunity to deepen trade ties instead exposed growing unease with President Donald Trump’s current approach to Africa.
Under President Biden, US-Africa relations had entered a period of strategic renewal. His administration prioritised development partnerships, fair trade, and equal engagement — culminating in Biden’s historic visit to Angola in 2024 to launch projects like the Lobito Corridor. Many African leaders saw this as a chance to reset relations.
But with President Trump’s return to office in January 2025, the mood has shifted dramatically. Cuts to development aid, mixed signals on climate partnerships, and a push for more transactional deals have reignited scepticism across the continent.
During the opening session, leaders made their frustrations clear. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called out “paternalistic diplomacy dressed in commercial language,” while Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema demanded that the US match its promises with real action. Angola’s President João Lourenço said African nations “expect respect for our priorities, fair trade terms, and partnerships that create value on African soil.”
Behind closed doors, American delegates tried to reassert President Trump’s investment agenda, but the reception was mixed. Many African leaders noted the absence of renewed commitments to initiatives like AGOA and Power Africa.
The summit made one point clear: Africa wants true partnership, not half measures. With President Trump’s administration now shaping US-Africa relations, leaders are determined to hold Washington accountable — and this time, they’re not afraid to say so.
Source: Further Africa
