DONALD Trump, newly inaugurated for a second term as US President, wasted no time in unveiling a series of Executive Orders with wide-ranging global implications, including significant effects on Africa. Speaking after his inauguration, Trump addressed key areas such as immigration, health, and climate change—each carrying weighty consequences for African nations.
Immigration and deportation
Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency, assigning the US military to bolster border security. His directive includes building border walls, expanding detention facilities, and conducting mass deportations targeting ‘criminal aliens.’ While South American migrants, especially Mexicans, are the primary focus, African undocumented immigrants are also at risk.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, an estimated 295,000 unauthorised African immigrants lived in the US in 2021. Deportations and visa restrictions could significantly affect African families and communities reliant on remittances from relatives in the US.
End to birth tourism
Another executive order aims to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Citing the 14th Amendment, the Trump administration clarified that it will no longer recognise automatic citizenship for children born in the US to non-citizen parents.
For Africans, this is another hurdle, as stringent US visa policies already make it difficult to travel. Trump’s measures allow consular officers to deny tourist visas to pregnant women if they suspect plans to give birth in the US. These measures will likely deter African families seeking better opportunities for their children through US citizenship.
Global health shake-up
Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a significant blow to global health efforts, particularly in Africa. The US is the largest donor to the WHO, contributing over $1.28bn during the 2022–2023 period. This partnership has been crucial in combating disease outbreaks like Ebola and strengthening health systems across Africa.
Without US contributions, WHO-led programmes such as vaccine distribution and digital health initiatives in Africa could lose momentum. Organisations like the Africa CDC, heavily reliant on WHO funding, may struggle to address ongoing health crises. This loss of support risks exposing millions of African children to preventable diseases.
Climate change exit
Trump reaffirmed his stance on the Paris Agreement, formally withdrawing the US once again. His administration’s rejection of global climate action undermines efforts to address catastrophic weather events, disproportionately affecting African nations.
Despite contributing the least to climate change, Africa faces severe impacts, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity. African leaders have repeatedly urged major polluters, including the US, to fund climate mitigation. Trump’s stance is a setback to these efforts, potentially increasing the burden on African governments to combat climate-related disasters.
Broad implications for Africa
Trump’s policies reflect his ‘America First’ approach but could deepen challenges in Africa. Immigration reforms may disrupt African communities in the US, while reduced health and climate funding may exacerbate vulnerabilities across the continent.
By reshaping US foreign policy, Trump’s second term may force African leaders to explore alternative partnerships to address public health, climate change, and economic stability in the absence of US support.
This report is based on interviews and information from the BBC
