Africa Should Be More Hopeful In Second Trump Administration- Scribe Strategies Partner Joseph Szlavik

By Ajong Mbapndah L

Stronger Bonds Between and Africa under the second Trump Admin are very possible, says Scribe Strategies & Advisors Partner Joseph Szlavik. Szlavik who worked on the Trump-Vance campaign as a field director in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help President Trump win the 19 electoral votes and 50.6% of the popular vote in the swing state, says there is every reason for Africa to be hopeful on the fallouts the second Trump coming.

“U.S.-Africa relations under a second Trump term will likely hinge upon mutual economic interests and strategic partnerships. With a focus on investment and trade, there's a genuine opportunity for growth if both regions commit to transparent, respectful, and sustainable engagements. By African leaders proving themselves as reliable partners willing to innovate and adapt, African countries can shape a future that benefits both people and economies on both sides of the Atlantic,” says Szlavik.

Known for his strong ties to Africa, Szlavik who served at the White House during the first Bush Administration as a policy analyst in the National Security Council, Office of Policy Development, believes that the incoming Trump Administration offers strong African leaders a chance to really move the dial economically and on national security with the United States.

“I would emphasize the importance of establishing direct channels of communication with African leaders to swiftly address economic and security issues. Promoting transparency and partnership in these areas would foster trust and more effective engagement. The Trump administration will consider Africa's diverse needs and recognize the continent’s strategic importance in terms of resource availability and geopolitical influence,” Szlavik said.

African nations should prioritize working with knowledgeable and declared Trump supporters -professionals who understand both the current U.S. administration and Africa’s unique context, says Szlavik whose firm Scribe Strategies & Advisors has clients spanning business, government, and non-profit clients on four continents,

What are some factors you think facilitated a victory for Donald Trump in the recent elections?

Donald Trump's reelection can be attributed to several key factors that resonated with American voters. Firstly, economic concerns, such as inflation and the rising costs of essential goods, including fuel and food, were on the minds of many Americans. These economic pressures directly impacted daily life and likely influenced voting behavior. Secondly, issues surrounding immigration, particularly the perception of an open border crisis, played a significant role. Many Americans were concerned about the strain on resources allocated towards providing for illegal immigrants, while veteran and low-income American families perceived themselves as being left behind. Additionally, heightened concerns about national security, including international conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, influenced public sentiment. These issues collectively framed Trump's agenda and appealed to voters seeking robust economic and security policies.

What place do you think Africa could have in a second Trump administration?

Africa will undoubtedly play a strategic role in a second Trump administration, primarily through the lenses of economics and national security. It's expected that the Trump administration will engage directly with African nations during major international forums such as the G20 Summit in South Africa in 2025 and the US-Africa Business Summit in Angola later that year. Efforts will likely focus on countering the growing influence of Russia and China in Africa, leveraging tools like the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation to foster economic partnerships and investments in infrastructure and trade growth.

We noticed that he did not visit Africa in his first term and engagements with Africa were minimal. Do you see signs that things might be different this time around?

It appears there might be more engagement with Africa during a second Trump term. President Trump plans to attend key summits such as the G20 in South Africa and the US-Africa Business Summit. These events provide opportunities for direct engagement with African leaders. Additionally, a visit to allies such as Morocco may be on the agenda to address regional issues like instability in the Sahel and the conflict in Congo, which affect the global supply of strategic minerals crucial for technological advancement.

A project like AGOA is up for renewal in 2025 or so, and there are other programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship. How would you make the case to the administration for these programs to be maintained?

With respect to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Trump administration's approach may lean more towards forging bilateral trade agreements, as seen in past negotiations with Ivory Coast and Kenya, rather than continuing with broad-based initiatives. However, maintaining AGOA will require strategic advocacy that aligns with the "America First" trade perspective, demonstrating mutual benefits and trustworthiness. For programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, emphasizing their role in fostering soft power, cultural exchange, and leadership development could align with U.S. diplomatic strategies.

In an election that was so hotly contested, often with heated rhetoric, what lessons do you think Africa could draw from this?

Elections, whether in the U.S. or Africa, can often be contentious and charged with intense rhetoric. Key lessons include the importance of ensuring elections are free, fair, and transparent to maintain public trust. Quick and accurate vote counting, with prompt announcement of results, is crucial to maintaining election integrity and legitimacy. Moreover, a defining moment in any election is the willingness of losing candidates to accept the results gracefully, preventing political instability and ensuring democratic continuity.

There has been a debate on fossil fuels with Africa under pressure to reduce reliance on oil and gas. Donald Trump often advocates for drilling. What could this mean for Africa?

The Trump administration's pro-drilling stance could provide opportunities for African nations rich in oil and gas reserves to attract foreign investment by fostering a favorable market and regulatory environment. African countries looking to boost their economies may choose to engage with the U.S. under these conditions, using it as leverage to develop their infrastructure and energy sectors, provided they can navigate geopolitical and environmental concerns effectively.

For African countries seeking to engage with the Trump administration, what advice could you share with them?

African nations should prioritize working with knowledgeable and declared Trump supporters -professionals who understand both the current U.S. administration and Africa’s unique context. Developing a clear strategy that highlights mutual benefits, along with targeted and straightforward messaging, will be essential. Building relationships directly with key stakeholders in the administration could facilitate access and negotiations, especially on matters of trade and investment.

If the Trump administration sought your advice on its approach towards Africa, what priority areas would you highlight?

I would emphasize the importance of establishing direct channels of communication with African leaders to swiftly address economic and security issues. Promoting transparency and partnership in these areas would foster trust and more effective engagement. The Trump administration will consider Africa's diverse needs and recognize the continent’s strategic importance in terms of resource availability and geopolitical influence.

What would you say to those who feel that Donald Trump's victory might embolden dictators in Africa and undermine democratic progress?

While there's concern that changes in U.S. foreign policy could influence political behaviors regionally, democracy in Africa may, in fact, strengthen under a framework that respects culture and sovereignty. A Trump administration focused on bilateral relations could encourage African nations to pursue legitimate governance practices through dialogue and cooperation, without feeling externally pressured on domestic policies.

Any last word on the future of U.S.-Africa relations under the incoming Trump administration and beyond?

U.S.-Africa relations under a second Trump term will likely hinge upon mutual economic interests and strategic partnerships. With a focus on investment and trade, there's a genuine opportunity for growth if both regions commit to transparent, respectful, and sustainable engagements. By African leaders proving themselves as reliable partners willing to innovate and adapt, African countries can shape a future that benefits both people and economies on both sides of the Atlantic. The future Trump Administration offers strong African leaders a chance to really move the dial economically and on national security with the United States.

*Courtesy of November Issue of PAV Magazine