The American Political Pendulum: What’s Really at Stake for Africa in 2024?

As an African watching the American political theater unfold, I can’t help but feel we’re witnessing more than just another election cycle. This isn’t merely about red versus blue – it’s about the future of an entire continent’s relationship with the world’s most powerful nation.

Behind the Headlines

Let’s be real: Africa has been here before. Every four years, we watch American elections with bated breath, hoping for a shift in policy that might finally prioritize genuine partnership over patronage. The 2024 race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump isn’t just another chapter – it’s potentially a whole new book.

The Biden /Kamala Factor

The current administration has, admittedly, made some interesting moves. They’ve been playing the long game, hosting African leaders in Washington and throwing around impressive numbers – $55 billion in promised investments isn’t exactly pocket change. The focus on infrastructure and trade partnerships has been refreshing, even if the actual implementation has been slower than molasses in January.

 The Trump Question

Here’s where things get spicy. Trump’s previous approach to Africa was, shall we say, unique. The numbers tell a stark story: U.S.-Africa trade plummeted from $100 billion to $41 billion during his tenure. His administration’s “America First” policy often felt more like “Africa Last” to many on the continent.

The China Factor

The Real Game Changer

Let us address the dragon in the room. While America’s political pendulum swings back and forth, China has been steadily building its presence across Africa. They’re not just building roads and railways; they’re building influence. And this isn’t lost on either Biden or Trump.

What is really at Stake?

The truth is, that Africa’s future won’t be determined solely by who sits in the Oval Office. The continent is increasingly charting its course, with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) showing that we’re thinking beyond traditional power dynamics.

Whether it’s Biden’s government’s multilateral approach or Trump’s transactional style, Africa needs to play smart. The continent’s leaders are increasingly savvy about leveraging international partnerships, understanding that neither American candidate holds all the cards.

The real question isn’t just who will win in November 2024 – it’s how Africa will position itself in an increasingly multipolar world. As the continent continues to rise, perhaps the more pertinent question is: Will America, regardless of its leader, recognize the need to engage with Africa as a true partner rather than just a policy point?

The political pendulum will swing, as it always does. But Africa’s path forward depends less on Pennsylvania Avenue and more on the corridors of power in Addis Ababa, Pretoria, and Lagos. Now that’s something worth blogging about.

The game is changing, and Africa isn’t just playing – it’s learning to write the rules.