Empowering Africa

A New Path Forward for US-Africa Energy Cooperation

As the Trump administration takes the reins again, a strategic opportunity emerges to redefine U.S. engagement with Africa on one of its most urgent issues: energy poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, over 600 million people live without reliable electricity, a reality that profoundly affects livelihoods, healthcare, and economic development. Addressing this problem will take more than one-size-fits-all solutions or top-down aid structures. Instead, the U.S. must adopt an “all of the above” approach, collaborating with African nations in ways that respect their right to control their energy futures.

In my recent OpEd for IOL, I argued that “the realities on the ground are often neglected in favor of Western narratives.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in the energy space, where African nations are frequently nudged—or pressured—toward adopting energy solutions that may fit foreign ideals but not their immediate needs. The truth is that Africa’s energy challenges are as diverse as the continent itself, and a true partnership means supporting whatever mix of energy solutions African nations believe will best serve their people.

A fair and effective roadmap would begin with empowering African nations to define their own energy mix. The U.S. should recognize that while renewables are a key part of the solution, they are not the entire answer. For many African countries, resources like natural gas, hydro, and even coal are practical, accessible, and economically viable. To assume that a single model will work across all of sub-Saharan Africa is both short-sighted and counterproductive. As I noted in The Namibian, achieving energy sustainability “requires flexibility and pragmatism.” African nations need the freedom to pursue diverse energy sources that address their unique geographical, economic, and infrastructural realities.

Supporting African sovereignty over energy choices also means moving beyond a paternalistic framework. Historically, Western aid has often been accompanied by restrictions that effectively strip nations of control over their resources and policies. The new administration should engage African leaders as equals, respecting their right to make decisions based on their countries’ specific needs. This means backing African-led projects and prioritizing local management and expertise rather than imposing external, restrictive criteria.

Additionally, the U.S. must recognize the vital role of private sector partnerships in driving sustainable energy progress. Public-private partnerships are invaluable because they blend foreign investment with local knowledge, fostering solutions that are both innovative and practical. African business leaders and energy companies already possess an intimate understanding of the local landscape; they are essential allies in building an infrastructure that can support diverse energy needs across urban and rural communities alike. These partnerships are not only practical but also instrumental in building a local workforce equipped to maintain and expand energy systems.

Training and capacity-building programs should be at the core of U.S. policy. Energy infrastructure doesn’t just need to be built—it must be sustained. A strong African energy workforce can achieve this, provided the training and resources are available. This means investing in vocational programs, university partnerships, and on-the-ground apprenticeships. By fostering a skilled local workforce, we empower African nations to manage, innovate, and maintain their own energy systems, reducing dependence on external actors.

One of the most critical shifts the U.S. can make in this new era is adopting a long-term perspective. Tackling energy poverty is not a quick fix, and sustainable change will not come from short-term aid cycles. Instead, the Trump administration must commit to a sustained engagement that respects Africa’s pace and aligns with Africa’s goals. A commitment to long-term partnership, rooted in respect and realism, would help set African nations on a path to self-reliance, allowing them to harness their resources for their own benefit.

Finally, this approach must be centered on Africa’s right to autonomy. As I’ve written before, “Western ideals must be balanced with local realities if we are to make real progress.” For too long, African countries have had to choose between foreign investment and their own sovereignty. A roadmap that allows Africa to control its energy destiny—while drawing on American support, technology, and partnership—could break that cycle.

A strategic roadmap for U.S.-Africa engagement must honor Africa’s right to chart its own path toward energy independence. The new administration has the chance to build a legacy of partnership, one that is free from paternalism and genuinely responsive to Africa’s needs. By promoting an “all of the above” energy strategy, building local capacity, and committing to a respectful, long-term partnership, the U.S. can help create a more resilient, prosperous, and self-sustaining Africa.

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