How African Leaders Can Win Trump’s Attention and Secure U.S. Engagement

How African Leaders Can Win Trump’s Attention and Secure U.S. Engagement

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By Curtis Smith

Introduction: Will Africa Be Left Out of Trump’s America First Doctrine?

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House a real possibility, African leaders must ask a critical question: What does his "America First" doctrine mean for Africa?

During Trump’s first term, Africa was largely sidelined as his administration focused on trade wars, immigration restrictions, and great power competition with China. Unlike previous U.S. presidents who framed Africa as a development partner or a security priority, Trump viewed foreign policy through a transactional lens—one that prioritized "deals" over diplomacy.

Africa, with its booming markets, critical minerals, and geopolitical importance, should be an essential partner for any U.S. administration. However, under Trump, there is no guarantee that Africa will be a priority—unless African leaders take the initiative.

This article provides a blueprint for how Africa can engage Trump strategically, ensuring that the continent is not overlooked in his second term. It outlines how African leaders should frame U.S. investment as a benefit to Trump’s presidency, appeal to his personal instincts, and position Africa as a key battleground in America’s rivalry with China.

If Africa waits for the U.S. to set the agenda, it will be left behind. Instead, African leaders must take control of the narrative and make Africa impossible to ignore.

Trump’s Foreign Policy is Transactional—Africa Must Speak His Language

Unlike traditional politicians, Trump does not engage with foreign nations out of a sense of moral obligation, global stability, or long-term strategic vision. He operates on a simple equation: "What does America get out of this?"

This is why African leaders must reframe their engagement with the U.S. in a way that aligns with Trump’s worldview. Instead of approaching Washington with development proposals, aid requests, or appeals to humanitarian needs, African leaders should talk in terms of trade, investment, and economic opportunity.

The strongest argument they can make is this:

"Mr. President, Africa will soon be the largest, most populated marketplace on the planet. Imagine 2.8 billion people buying American products. Imagine U.S. companies dominating the fastest-growing consumer base in the world. Would you let China take that from you?"

This is the kind of messaging that will resonate with Trump. He is a businessman at heart, and he will respond to economic opportunities that he believes can benefit the U.S. (and himself).

African leaders should position Africa as the next great economic frontier—one that the U.S. must seize before its competitors do. If framed correctly, Trump can be convinced to engage Africa not as an act of foreign policy, but as a way to secure his legacy as a great economic leader.

Flattery First: How to Capture Trump’s Attention

Trump is first and foremost a person of vanity. He values flattery over logic, loyalty over expertise, and personal relationships over institutional diplomacy. African leaders must understand this dynamic and use it to their advantage.

The most effective world leaders in dealing with Trump—Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and even Emmanuel Macron—have mastered the art of engaging him through excessive praise.

African leaders should begin every engagement by complimenting Trump’s leadership, wisdom, and ability to make historic deals. This is not about deception—it is about understanding how he processes relationships and decisions.

For example, African leaders should:

? Frame Africa as Trump’s Nixon-China Moment – "Mr. President, just as Nixon opened China to American business, you can be the president who opened Africa to American trade." ? Compare Him to Great U.S. Leaders – "Your presidency can be remembered alongside Jackson, Roosevelt, and Reagan as one that expanded U.S. influence in the world." ? Appeal to His Business Acumen – "You are a dealmaker, Mr. President. Here is an opportunity for America to win big in Africa."

Flattery may seem unconventional, but with Trump, it is a proven strategy that has worked time and time again. African leaders who fail to use it risk being ignored, while those who understand its power can secure his attention.

China as a Strategic Lever: Appealing to Trump’s Hardliners

Beyond Trump himself, his administration will be dominated by China hawks. His foreign policy advisors, trade representatives, and national security officials will view every aspect of global engagement through the lens of countering Chinese influence.

This is where African leaders must position Africa as a critical front in America’s rivalry with China.

Key messages should include: ? Xi Jinping’s "1,000 Little Projects" strategy in Africa is not just about infrastructure—it’s about winning the hearts and minds of African nations. ? If the U.S. ignores Africa, China will dominate its markets, resources, and military partnerships. ? China already controls much of Africa’s cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements—allowing them to dictate global supply chains. ? If China builds deepwater naval bases on both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, it will permanently alter the global balance of power.

By couching Africa as a vital geopolitical battleground, African leaders can ensure that Trump’s advisors push for greater U.S. investment in Africa—not out of goodwill, but out of strategic necessity.

The Playbook: How African Leaders Should Engage Trump’s Administration

For African nations to remain on the U.S. agenda, they must engage strategically. Here’s how:

1?. Flatter Trump Before Discussing Business – Praise his leadership, compare him to Nixon, and position Africa as an opportunity for his historical legacy. 2?. Frame Africa as America’s Next Big Market – Emphasize the coming 2.8 billion consumers and the economic benefits of securing Africa’s trade partnerships. 3?. Talk in Business Terms, Not Policy Jargon – Avoid diplomatic language; instead, use deal-making terminology that speaks to Trump’s instincts. 4?. Engage Beyond Washington – Work directly with U.S. governors, corporate CEOs, and trade associations to build bottom-up support for Africa’s market potential. 5?. Play the China Card – Remind Trump’s national security team that abandoning Africa will hand it over to China—costing America a strategic and economic stronghold.

Conclusion: Africa Must Seize the Moment

Trump’s America First doctrine means that Africa cannot expect to be a priority—unless African leaders force their way onto the agenda.

By leveraging Trump’s business instincts, desire for legacy, and competition with China, Africa can position itself not as an afterthought, but as a strategic necessity.

If African leaders take a passive approach, they will be ignored. But if they engage Trump on his terms—through flattery, economic opportunity, and geopolitical strategy—they can ensure that Africa remains a critical part of U.S. global engagement.

The future of U.S.-Africa relations under Trump is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the leaders who understand how to play the game.

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