Donald Trump’s previous administration, defined by transactional foreign policy, disrupted diplomatic norms and created vacuums in US–Africa relations. This paper explores the shifting alliances that are reshaping Africa’s geopolitical landscape following his return to the White House and the growing influence of China and Russia. It examines how Trump’s policies could accelerate Africa’s pivot towards Eurasian powers that offer it alternative partnerships. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s expanding military ties in Africa illustrate a deepening Eurasia–Africa engagement which challenges the traditional dominance of Western powers. Adopting a qualitative research approach, and relying on secondary sources such as policy briefs, Trump’s executive orders and his distinctive social media use, the study employs a thematic analysis framework to trace recurring narratives between 2016 and 2025. The paper finds that Africa is navigating a multipolar competition and recommends that African states strengthen regional integration and pursue strategic diversification in an increasingly unpredictable international system.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
Abegunrin, O. and C. Manyeruke. 2019. China’s Power in Africa: A New Global Order. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
African Security Analysis. 2025. “As America Pulls Back, Russia and China Step in Across Africa”, 12 May.
African Union (AU). 2022. “6th European Union—African Union Summit: A Joint Vision for 2030”, 18 February.
Alden, C. 2007. China in Africa. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Akínpẹ̀lú, Y. and N. Booty. 2025. “Nigeria Has ‘Enough Problems’ and Can’t Take Deportees from US, Minister Says”, BBC News, 11 July. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23gz78v5jjo
Ankrah, I. 2024. “Mapping 24 Years of FOCAC: Five Signature Charts of Status Quo”, Africa China Centre, 13 August. https://africachinacentre.org/mapping-24-years-of-focac-five-signature-charts-of-status-quo/
Ayandele, O. 2025. “Nigeria’s Refusal to Cave to Trump Signals a Shift in U.S.-Africa Relations”, Foreign Policy, 1 August. https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/08/01/trump-us-third-country-deportations-migrants-africa-eswatini-nigeria
Azoska, S. 2025. Adjusting to Trump’s foreign policy: strategic posturing for sub-Saharan Africa. Business & Financial Time, 16 January. https://thebftonline.com/2025/01/16/adjusting-to-trumps-foreign-policy-strategic-posturing-for-sub-saharan-africa/
Banchereau, M. and J. Donati. 2024. “What to know about Russia’s growing footprint in Africa”, AP News, 6 June. https://apnews.com/article/mali-wagner-mercenaries-russia-abuses-b03cf8fe6d9ddbbcdb2d012464944906
Bartha, L. 2025. “The New Scramble for Africa: The Great Power Competition for the Continent”, Atlas Institute for International Affairs, 12 July. https://atlasinstitute.org/the-new-scramble-for-africa-the-great-power-competition-for-the-continent/
BBC News. 2017. “Paris Climate Deal: Trump Pulls US Out of 2015 Accord”, BBC News, 1 June. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40127326
Blank, S. 2024. “Moscow Expands Military Influence in Africa”, Eurasia Daily Monitor 21, 41.
Bo, H., R. Lawal and R. Sakariyahu. 2024. “China’s infrastructure investments in Africa: An imperative for attaining sustainable development goals or a debt-trap?” The British Accounting Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2024.101472
Bräutigam, D. 2011. “Aid ‘With Chinese Characteristics’: Chinese Foreign Aid and Development Finance Meet the OECD-DAC Aid Regime.” Journal of International Development 23: 752–764.
Cabestan, J. 2023. “The Belt and Road Initiative and China’s Hegemony in Africa”, Orbis 67, 4.
Calabrese, O. 2024. “Why China Is Seeking Greater Presence in Africa—The Strategy Behind Its Financial Deals”, The Conversation, 17 September.
Chin, J.J. and H. Bartos. 2024. “Rethinking U.S. Africa Policy Amid Changing Geopolitical Realities”, Texas National Security Review 7, 2: 114–132.
Chiyemura, F., E. Gambino and T. Zajontz. 2022. “Infrastructure and the Politics of African State Agency: Shaping the Belt and Road Initiative in East Africa”, Journal of Chinese Political Science 8: 105–131.
CNBC Africa. 2025. “Trump’s Second Term: Implications for U.S.-Africa Trade, Diplomacy and Security”, CNBC, 23 January.
CNN. 2025. “Trump Announces US Withdrawal from World Health Organization”, CNN 22 January. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/trump-executive-action-world-health-organization-withdrawal
Danilova, M. and C. Anna. 2018. “Trump’s New Africa Strategy Takes Sharp Aim at China and Russia”, PBS News, 13 December. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-new-africa-strategy-takes-sharp-aim-at-china-and-russia
Dellios, R. and R.J. Ferguson. 2012. China’s Quest for Global Order: From Peaceful Rise to Harmonious World. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.
Diédhiou, A.Z., Y. Akínpẹ̀lú and B. Drenon. 2025. “Why Trump Invited Five African Leaders to the White House”, BBC News, 9 July. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygqenwx78o
Donati, J. 2024. “Insight: Trump Inherits Waning US Strength in Africa”, Reuters, 20 November.
Dzirutwe, M. 2025. “Nigeria Says US Pressuring Africa to Accept Venezuelan Deportees”, Reuters, 11 July.
Ekanem, S. 2025. “Congo’s Minerals-for-Security Deal with U.S. Advances amid M23 Turmoil”, Business Insider Africa, 11 March.
El-Sayyad, A.G. 2025. “Russian Military Expansion in Africa: A New Era of Dependency?” African Narratives, 2 January. https://africannarratives.org/russian-military-expansion-in-africa-a-new-era-of-dependency
European Commission (EC). 2007. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council: From Cairo to Lisbon—The EU-Africa Strategic Partnership. Brussels, 12 July.
European Commission (EC). 2018. African Peace Facility Annual Report 2017. Brussels: Office of the European Union.
European Parliament. 2024. “Russia-Africa Military Agreements and Arms Trade, and Recent Coups”, EP Thinktank, 13 February. https://epthinktank.eu/2024/02/13/russia-in-africa-an-atlas/russia-africa-military-agreements-and-arms-trade-and-recent-coups/
Falola, T. 2025. “Trump’s Tenure and Africa’s Relation”, Premium Times, 22 January.
Faulkner, C.M. and R. Parens. 2025. “Russia in Africa: Private Military Proxies in the Sahel”, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, 24 March.
Ferragamo, M. 2023. “Russia’s Growing Footprint in Africa”, Council on Foreign Relations, 28 December.
French, H.W. 2014. China’s Second Continent: How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
Frimpong, I.O. 2025. China’s Emerging Security Diplomacy in Africa. Cham: Springer Nature Singapore.
Gebrewold, B. 2024. Postcolonial African Migration to the West: A Mimetic Desire for Being. Cham: Springer International.
Gershkovich, E. 2019. “At Russia’s Inaugural Africa Summit, Moscow Sells Sovereignty”, The Moscow Times, 19 October.
Global Initiative. 2023. “The Grey Zone: Russia’s Military, Mercenary and Criminal Engagement in Africa”, 16 February.
Haque, N. 2025. “A marriage of three: Will Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso bloc reshape the Sahel?” Aljazeera: 31 December.
Hamilton, R. 2024. The China-Russia Relationship: The Dance of the Dragon and the Bear. Cham: Springer Nature.
Hecht, C. 2025. “Transactionalism Tested”, Council on Foreign Relations, 17 October. https://www.cfr.org/articles/transactionalism-tested
Heurtebize, F., F. Gagnon and M. Quessard. 2020. Alliances and Power Politics in the Trump Era: America in Retreat? Cham: Springer.
Hiscock, M. & Lo, V.I. The Rise of the BRICS in the Global Political Economy: Changing Paradigms?United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Houreld, K. and R. Dixon. 2025. “Trump’s Global Funding Cuts Leave a Void in Africa for Rivals to Exploit”, The Washington Post, 24 March. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/23/trump-aid-cuts-africa-russia-china/
Inwood, J. and J. Tacchi. 2024. “Wagner in Africa: How the Russian Mercenary Group Has Rebranded”, BBC News, 20 February.
Isike, C. and S. Oyewole. 2024. “US-Africa Relations under Biden: A Mismatch between Talk and Action”, The Conversation, 31 October.
Ivers, L. “BRICS Expansion and The Shifting Global Order”, Africa.com, 23 July. https://africa.com/brics-expansion-and-the-shifting-global-order/
Jaura, R. 2025. “Multipolar Africa: As the US Steps Back, a New World Arrives—Analysis”, Eurasia Review, 1 August. https://www.eurasiareview.com/01082025-multipolar-africa-as-the-us-steps-back-a-new-world-arrives-analysis/
Karabektas, S. 2024. “Russia’s Growing Military Footprint in Africa: Arms Deals and Defense Cooperation”, Orion Policy Institute, 24 March.
Klein, B. 2025. “Trump Announces US Withdrawal from World Health Organization”, CNN, 22 January.
Klomegah, K.K. 2024. “Exploring Russia’s Support of Africa’s ‘Coup-Makers’—Interview.” Eurasia Review. 3 April.
Kuwali, D. 2025. “Afro-Resilience: Africa’s Strategic Realignment in a Multipolar World”, Mail & Guardian, 14 May. https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2025-05-14-afro-resilience-africas-strategic-realignment-in-a-multipolar-world/
Lammich, G. 2025. China’s Evolving Security Engagement in Africa: Policies, Strategies, and Implications. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Lee, Y. 2024. China to give Africa $50 billion over next three years, says Xi Jinping. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240905-china-to-give-africa-50-billion-over-next-three-years-says-xi-jinping
Liaga, E.A. and Z. Simakoloyi. 2024. “Africa must prepare for Trump’s comeback”, Institute for Security Studies. 9 December.
Lin, C.Y. and H.M. Hsiao. 2009. Rise of China: Beijing’s Strategies and Implications for the Asia-Pacific. London: Taylor and Francis.
Lisimba, A.F. 2020. China’s Trade and Investment in Africa: Impact on Development, Employment Generation and Transfer of Technology. Cham: Springer Nature.
Marsai, V. 2025. “From the Periphery to the Periphery: The Prospects for Change in US Africa Policy”, Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, 24 (1–2): 251–273. https://brill.edhh.ma/view/journals/pgdt/24/1-2/article-p251_15.xml
Maru, M.T. 2024. “Analysis: Africa’s Foreign Policy Must Focus on Continental Needs”, Premium Times, 27 November. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/foreign/africa/757291-analysis-africas-foreign-policy-must-focus-on-continental-needs.html?tztc=1
Matlou, M. 2015. “Whither the Forum On China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Fifteen Years On?” The Diplomatic Society. https://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/1336-whither-the-forum-on-china-africa-cooperation-focac-fifteen-years-on
McCluskey, M. and L. Madowo. 2025. “Trump Praises ‘Good English’ of Liberian President, Prompting Criticism Across Africa”, CNN, 9 July. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/09/africa/trump-praises-liberian-president-latam-intl
Michael, C. 2025. “10 African Countries with Most Russian Arms Purchases”, Business Day, 3 June.
Milman, O., D. Smith and D. Carrington. 2017. “Donald Trump Confirms US Will Quit Paris Climate Agreement”, The Guardian, 1 June. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/01/donald-trump-confirms-us-will-quit-paris-climate-deal?google_editors_picks=true
Monda, D. 2025. “Trump’s First 100 Days’ Spell Neo-Isolationism”, The East African, 1 May. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/world/trump-first-100-days-spell-neo-isolationism-5024270
Munyati, C. 2023. “The African Union has been made a permanent member of the G20—what does it mean for the continent?” World Economic Forum, 14 September https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/09/african-union-g20-world-leaders/
Mutethya, E. 2025. “Africa Looks to China as Preferred and Reliable Development Partner”, China Daily, 16 June. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202506/16/WS684f7367a310a04af22c66ef.html
Nantulya, P. 2023. “Africa’s Interests in Strengthening the United Nations System”, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 14 August.
Nantulya, P. 2025. “China Widening Its Influence in Africa through Expanded Security Engagements”, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 10 June.
Narang, H. 2024. “Infrastructure Diplomacy the Key to China’s Influence in Africa”, East Asia Forum, 7 February. https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/02/07/infrastructure-diplomacy-the-key-to-chinas-influence-in-africa/
Njoku, E.C. and S. Oyewole. 2025. “Trump 2.0 and Africa: The Politics of Strategic Patience and Realignment”, in Isike, C. and Oyewole, S. eds. African Perspectives on Trump 2.0: U.S. Foreign Policy and the New World (Re)Order, Pretoria: ESI Press, pp. 325–341.
Norris, J. and C. Kenney. 2018. “From Threat to Opportunity: Rethinking U.S. Relations in Africa”, Center for American Progress, 19 June.
Okafor, C. 2025. “Top 10 African Countries That Have Bought the Most Weapons from Russia”, Business Insider Africa, 27 March.
Okeke, J. 2025. “Revitalizing Multilateralism in Africa: Positive Advancements in Governance, Trade, and International Engagement”, Wilson Center, 28 January. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/revitalizing-multilateralism-africa-positive-advancements-governance-trade-and
Olajide, B. 2025. “Trump’s Tariff Policy Tested as AGOA Approaches September Expiration”, The Guardian, 5 March. https://guardian.ng/business-services/business/trumps-tariff-policy-tested-as-agoa-approaches-september-expiration/
Olewe, D. 2020. “How Africa Hopes to Gain from the ‘New Scramble’”, BBC News, 24 February. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51092504
Onubogu, O. 2025. “Trump’s Africa Policy: Commerce and Domestic Politics Clash,” Center for Strategic & International Studies, 6 October.
Opalo, K. 2024. “A Trumpian Policy for Africa: What the Continent Stands to Gain from a Transactional White House”, Foreign Affairs, 4 December.
Orefo, D.C. 2013. “U.S. Security Interest in Africa”, in Kalu, K. and Kieh, G. eds. United States—Africa Security Relations: Terrorism, Regional Security and National Interests. London: Taylor and Francis.
Oyewole, S. and Njoku, E.C. 2025. Political Economy of Military Resurgence, Post-Coup Regimes and (In)security in Africa. London: Routledge (in press).
Peltier, E. 2024. Year After Failed Mutiny, Russia Tightens Grip on Wagner Units in Africa. The New York Times. 25 June. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/25/world/africa/russia-wagner-africa-corps.html
Pilling, D. 2024. “Africa Businesses Struggle to Recover from Covid Pandemic”, Financial Times, 6 June.
Polus, A., D. Kopinski and I. Taylor. 2014. China’s Rise in Africa: Perspectives on a Developing Connection. London: Taylor and Francis.
Pronczuk, M., J. Leicester and M. Biesecker. 2025. “Russia Skirts Western Sanctions to Ramp Up Its Military Footprint in Africa”, Associated Press, 11 June. https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/russia-skirts-western-sanctions-to-ramp-up-its-military-footprint-in-africa/
Pronczuk, M. and D. Superville. 2025. “Trump Promises West African Leaders a Pivot to Trade as the Region Reels from Sweeping Aid Cuts”, Associated Press, 9 July.
Ramani, S. 2023. Russia in Africa: Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender? Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Robert Lansing Institute. 2025. “From Liberation to Exploitation: Russia’s Resource Deals in Africa”, 29 April. https://lansinginstitute.org/2025/04/29/from-liberation-to-exploitation-russias-resource-deals-in-africa/
Savage, R. 2024. “Rapidly Urbanising Africa to Have Six Cities with Populations above 10m by 2035”, The Guardian, 22 August.
Schraeder, P.J. 1994. United States Foreign Policy Toward Africa: Incrementalism, Crisis and Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Shinn, D.H. and J. Eisenman. 2012. China and Africa: A Century of Engagement. Philadelphia, PN: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Signé, L. and N.D.F. Allen. 2018. “Trump’s Africa Policy Takes Form with Focus on Security (and China)”, Brookings, 19 March.
Singh, P. 2024. “US-Africa relations under Trump: New problems, old problems”, International Politics and Society, 11 November.
Solomon, S. 2018. “New Africa Strategy Pits US Against China, Russia”, Voice of America, 14 December. https://www.voanews.com/a/new-africa-strategy-pits-us-against-china-russia/4700613.html
Song, C. 2025. “Trump’s Africa Policy Zeroes in on Minerals and Militarism”, South China Morning Post, 25 April. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3307557/trumps-africa-policy-zeroes-minerals-and-militarism
Stanyard, J., T. Vircoulon and J. Rademeyer. 2023. The Grey Zone: Russia’s Military, Mercenary and Criminal Engagement in Africa. Geneva: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
Tasamba, J. 2023. “Selling Weapons and Sealing Deals: Is Russia a Reliable Defense Partner for Africa?”, Anadolu Agency, 4 December.
Toosi, N. 2025. “Trump Looks Willing to Write Off an Entire Continent,” Politico, 17 April.
World Health Organization (WHO). 2025. “WHO Comments on United States’ Announcement of Intent to Withdraw”, WHO 21 January. https://www.who.int/news/item/21-01-2025-who-comments-on-united-states--announcement-of-intent-to-withdraw
Yohannes, A. 2025. “Realigning Priorities: U.S.–Africa Policy Across Two Trump Presidencies”, Horn Review, 28 May.
Yu, S.Z. 2022. “FOCAC and the Future of China-Africa Relations”, LSE Blog, 4 February. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/africaatlse/2022/02/04/focac-the-future-of-china-africa-relations-trade-forum-cooperation/
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 230 | 230 | 32 |
| Full Text Views | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 16 | 16 | 2 |
Donald Trump’s previous administration, defined by transactional foreign policy, disrupted diplomatic norms and created vacuums in US–Africa relations. This paper explores the shifting alliances that are reshaping Africa’s geopolitical landscape following his return to the White House and the growing influence of China and Russia. It examines how Trump’s policies could accelerate Africa’s pivot towards Eurasian powers that offer it alternative partnerships. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s expanding military ties in Africa illustrate a deepening Eurasia–Africa engagement which challenges the traditional dominance of Western powers. Adopting a qualitative research approach, and relying on secondary sources such as policy briefs, Trump’s executive orders and his distinctive social media use, the study employs a thematic analysis framework to trace recurring narratives between 2016 and 2025. The paper finds that Africa is navigating a multipolar competition and recommends that African states strengthen regional integration and pursue strategic diversification in an increasingly unpredictable international system.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 230 | 230 | 32 |
| Full Text Views | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 16 | 16 | 2 |