Lessons for Africa from Trump’s Presidency

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump officially became the 47th president of the United States, marking his return to the position after serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. Since his latest inauguration, Trump has been making waves, creating the impression that he is the president of the entire world.

The buzz and attention surrounding him have been even louder than when he was declared the winner of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris. Almost every nation is fixated on his actions and inactions.

Is this ongoing frenzy about Trump himself or his position as the president of the U.S., a leading global power? While these questions may not have straightforward answers, there are lessons Africa can learn from this New York-born leader under the Republican Party.

These lessons stem from Trump’s executive orders, which address issues like the economy, diversity, inclusion, and borders. An executive order is a signed directive that outlines how a president wants the federal government to operate.

Here are key lessons from Trump’s executive orders that, if taken seriously, could reshape Africa for greatness—or, if ignored, may hinder its progress.

Upholding Gender Definitions

While the U.S. is not a religious country, Trump’s declaration to adhere to natural gender definitions aligns with many religious tenets. Transgender practices are not yet widespread in African nations, but they do exist. However, no government has been bold enough to officially discourage such practices.

Lesson: African leaders should take firm stands on practices that contradict the continent’s religious and cultural values. Silence on these issues can lead to the gradual erosion of societal norms.

Suspension of the Refugee Program

The refugee program has provided a pathway for non-American citizens to reside in the U.S., enjoy certain rights, and ultimately attain naturalization after meeting specific criteria. However, Trump’s executive orders suspend this program. Refugees fleeing their countries due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinion may no longer find solace in the U.S.

Lesson: African governments need to establish programs to support refugees and create enabling environments where they can prosper and live without fear.

Increased Costs for Importers

The U.S. has been a top destination for immigrants, driving demand for foreign products and services that cater to its diverse population. Businesses that depend on importing goods to meet this demand will now face higher costs under Trump’s executive orders.

Lesson: African importers should consider relocating their businesses back home. This is also a wake-up call for African governments to discourage excessive importation by introducing higher tax rates and policies that promote local production.

 End of Birthright Citizenship

Citizenship through birthright has long been a constitutional right in the U.S., protected by the 14th Amendment. This policy has made the country a destination for people seeking U.S. citizenship for their children. However, under Trump’s executive orders, this could soon become a thing of the past. With this order, Africans who travel to the U.S. to give birth should begin to reconsider, as the rules of the game have changed.

Lesson: African governments and stakeholders in the medical and healthcare sectors should invest in making antenatal care services efficient and world-class, reducing the need for citizens to seek such services abroad.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO

The U.S. has contributed over $1 billion annually to the World Health Organization (WHO), accounting for about 15% of its total funding. This funding supports immunization programs and interventions, especially in developing countries, including Africa. With Trump pulling out of WHO, there may be a scarcity of resources to address global health needs.

Lesson: African governments must prioritize public healthcare and reduce dependency on international organizations for funding.

The Paris Agreement Continues Without the U.S.

Trump has shifted focus from climate change to prioritizing economic growth by advocating for oil drilling and other activities that boost the economy, even at the expense of the environment. While the balance between economic, social, and environmental factors is crucial, there’s a lesson in Trump’s boldness to prioritize economic gains.

Lesson: If a country like the U.S., with a competitive economy, can make such decisions, African nations with struggling economies should also prioritize what works for their growth. For example, Africa’s contribution to climate change is minimal (about 2–3%), but the continent is a significant generator of waste. Efforts should focus on transforming waste into wealth rather than solely chasing global climate change goals.

Conclusion

Trump’s executive orders, underpinned by his “America First” agenda, provide valuable lessons for Africa. They urge Africans to genuinely love their countries, take responsibility, and prioritize development instead of relying on other nations.

For too long, Western nations have prioritized their citizens, while African leaders often base decisions on personal gains, causing people to seek refuge in other countries.

These policies are not about racism or oppression but about prioritizing national interests. It’s time for Africa to embrace this mindset—whether it’s “Nigeria First,” “Ghana First,” or simply “Africa First.” The continent needs visionary leaders who prioritize their citizens and foster self-reliance. Let this serve as an eye-opener for African governments, stakeholders, and citizens to focus on building strong, self-sufficient nations.

NewsNation: Donald Trump Executive Orders Signed
https://www.newsnationnow.com/politics/donald-trump-executive-orders-signed/