Under the current administration, the United States (US) has shifted from long-standing cooperation with African partner countries to priorities driven by US economic gains, security interests and migration control. Traditional US foreign aid channels have been dramatically downsized, while trade and global competition for critical resources have played a conspicuous part in US engagement with African countries. While some African governments welcome the emphasis on trade and investment, others face strained relations, notably South Africa. Despite reduced cooperation following successive coups in West Africa, the US remains militarily active on the continent, conducting counter-terrorism strikes in Nigeria and Somalia. Migration policy has hardened, with expanded travel bans, limited refugee admissions and deals linking financial incentives to deportation arrangements. US disengagement on aid, unpredictability on trade and a looser relationship with the international rules-based order could, by contrast, enhance the EU's image as a reliable partner for Africa. However, the US's offensive approach on security, migration and critical minerals poses growing geostrategic challenges for the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP Read more