U.S - China: What the next chapter holds for Africa

China's influence in Africa continues to grow, solidifying its position as the largest trading partner for the continent for almost two decades, with trade volumes reaching $282 billion in 2023. In contrast, President Donald Trump's first term adopted a more transactional approach to U.S.-Africa relations through initiatives like Prosper Africa, resulting in $120 billion in business deals across 49 countries. The looming question for Trump's second term is whether Africa will witness a continuation of deal-focused policies or a strategic shift in engagement. Chika Mordi, Chairman of United Capital Group, provided insights in a recent CNBC Africa interview, shedding light on what lies ahead for Africa's economic future under the Trump administration's next chapter. Mordi highlighted how Trump's initial tenure exhibited elements of isolationism, leading to repercussions for Africa, including a recession in democracy and a power vacuum filled by rival nations like China, Russia, and Gulf states. As Trump's second term commences, Mordi expressed concerns about a potential further disengagement from Africa, coupled with a reduction in development aid and diplomatic interactions, undermining trade, economic growth, and good governance on the continent. Considering existing initiatives like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Mordi cautioned about the vulnerability of these agreements under the new administration's stance on Africa. He suggested a potential deprioritization of African affairs, leading to possible implications for partnerships and investments in the region. While acknowledging the opportunities present in Africa, Mordi emphasized the importance of negotiating engagements with various global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia with the goal of benefiting the African populace. He noted the importance of transparency in agreements and highlighted the risks associated with ignoring the potential consequences of nationalist policies at the expense of stability and economic prosperity. As the U.S.-China rivalry intensifies on the African continent, with China's significant investments in infrastructure and loans, Africa faces the challenge of reshaping its policies and engagements with these global players. Mordi advocated for renegotiations that prioritize the interests of African nations and their citizens, cautioning against yielding to nationalist impulses that could result in instability and corruption. He emphasized the need for strategic and ethical negotiations to ensure positive outcomes for Africa amidst the evolving dynamics of global power struggles. In conclusion, the evolving landscape of U.S.-China relations in Africa presents both challenges and opportunities for the continent. The next chapter under the Trump administration calls for a cautious approach, emphasizing transparency, good governance, and strategic partnerships to navigate the complexities of global power dynamics and secure a prosperous economic future for Africa.