As we approach February 10, barely three weeks into Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States, it is becoming painfully clear that his actions are already reverberating far beyond U.S. borders. For many across Africa and the Global Majority, the early moves of this administration are a cause for concern. Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump’s team has been busy pushing forward policies that will have lasting consequences for some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.
At first glance, these actions might seem distant, far removed from the daily lives of ordinary people. But in reality, they are deeply felt by those who rely on international cooperation, aid, and human rights protections. Trump’s decisions are not just political manoeuvres, they are life-altering for many around the world.
A Lifeline Under Threat
One of the most immediate and worrying impacts of Trump’s second term is the drastic slashing of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). For years, USAID has been a cornerstone of support for countless countries across Africa, providing everything from emergency relief to educational programmes and healthcare initiatives. But in the past few weeks, the Trump administration has proposed significant cutbacks that threaten to leave millions of vulnerable people without crucial assistance.
Last year, I met Eugene, a health worker in the Arua District in the Northern Region of Uganda. who could see his vaccination and nutrition programmes suspended as a result of these cuts. These are not just abstract policy changes, these decisions have real, tangible consequences for communities already struggling to survive. The loss of USAID’s support could mean life or death for many.
The newly issued Memo from President Trump is yet another troubling step in this series of attacks on nonprofit organisations, both within the U.S. and abroad. These organisations, which provide food, shelter, housing, healthcare, and early education, are vital lifelines. As the Memo attempts to dismantle or defund such efforts, it is crucial to recognise that the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people are from being undermined by these nonprofits are enhanced by their work. Removing this vital support will not only diminish the U.S. at home and abroad but will cost lives.
In the face of these cuts, stakeholders from the Minority and Majority worlds must act decisively. Civil society organisations, international NGOs, and local governments should work to diversify funding sources by seeking support from multilateral institutions like the UN, EU, and African Union. African governments should increase domestic funding for essential sectors such as healthcare and education, leveraging innovative mechanisms like social impact bonds. Grassroots activists must advocate for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
A Retreat from Global Cooperation
Trump’s stance on international cooperation has always been contentious, but in the early days of his second term, it is clear that the U.S. is retreating from key global alliances. The decision to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and cut ties with the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is a stark example of this retreat.
For people like Nisreen, a human rights activist in Sudan, these moves send a deeply troubling message. The UNHRC, though far from perfect, has been an important platform for advocating for justice in countries where governments often turn a blind eye to human rights abuses. Without U.S. support, the fight for global justice becomes that much harder.
To counter this withdrawal from global cooperation, nations in the Global Majority must strengthen their collective efforts through regional platforms.
The African Union, for example, should continue to advocate for human rights and justice, and even consider creating a pan-African human rights commission that is independent of Western influence. Global South alliances, like the G77, should also be more vocal and proactive in filling the diplomatic and humanitarian gaps left by the U.S. This could involve offering asylum to displaced peoples, enhancing humanitarian aid in conflict zones, and reaffirming a commitment to global climate action in the face of American backpedalling.
The Climate Crisis
Africa, a continent already bearing the brunt of climate change, is watching with growing concern as the U.S. steps back from global climate leadership. The Trump administration’s decision to erase climate change references from federal government websites and withdraw from international agreements sends a powerful, dangerous message, that climate change is not a priority.
For farmers like Kwame in Ghana, who rely on predictable weather patterns to grow their crops, this is more than just a policy shift, it is a life-and-death issue. The U.S.’s withdrawal from global climate efforts means less support for adaptation and mitigation programmes in the Global Majority. Countries already struggling with droughts, floods, and desertification can ill afford this setback.
This is a critical moment for both regional cooperation and international activism. African governments and organisations should press ahead with climate action by implementing regional agreements like the African Union Climate Change And Resilient Development Strategy And Action Plan, and advocating for increased funding from European and Asian markets to support clean energy projects. The private sector, particularly African businesses, should push for innovation in sustainable farming techniques, renewable energy, and carbon capture technology. African countries must also continue to strengthen their partnerships with environmental NGOs, ensuring that efforts to combat climate change are funded and sustainable.
Global movements led by activists such as Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate continue to amplify the voices of those most impacted by the climate crisis, particularly in the Global Majority. Through sharing stories from the frontlines and urging developed nations to uphold their climate financing commitments, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of international discourse. This ongoing pressure helps keep climate action a priority, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the future of the planet.
The Rise of Authoritarianism
Trump’s administration has, time and again, shown support for authoritarian leaders, including those in Africa. Whether it’s providing diplomatic cover to leaders in Uganda, Ethiopia, or Egypt countries known for their crackdowns on dissent, Trump’s approach seems to prioritise stability over human rights.
For people like Hassan, a young activist in Ethiopia, this is deeply concerning. The U.S. has long been seen as a defender of democracy and human rights, but with the current administration’s support for oppressive regimes, it feels as though these values are being traded away. The consequences for those living under authoritarian rule are dire, as the pressure on activists grows and the space for dissent shrinks.
International stakeholders from governments to human rights groups must stand firm against authoritarianism. African civil society must continue to advocate for the protection of political freedoms, ensuring that authoritarian regimes do not receive the tacit approval they need to maintain power. International pressure on authoritarian governments, particularly from institutions like the UN, EU, and AU, can increase the cost of human rights abuses and foster diplomatic isolation. African governments themselves need to encourage political reform, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties within their own borders, ensuring that their nations can weather the storms of global geopolitical change.
Economic Isolation: The Cost of Trump’s Trade Policies
Trump’s “America First” economic agenda is shaking up global trade dynamics, and Africa is feeling the effects. The imposition of tariffs on China and other nations is disrupting trade flows, with potential consequences for African countries that rely on access to the U.S. market.
For entrepreneurs like Mariama, a small business owner in Senegal, these new trade barriers mean fewer opportunities to expand her business. Africa’s economies, which are already fragile, are further at risk as global trade becomes more fractured and uncertain. For ordinary workers and business owners alike, the economic isolationism promoted by Trump could stall growth and deepen inequalities.
African nations must be proactive in building stronger intra-African trade networks, capitalising on initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This would not only mitigate the risks posed by shifting global trade patterns but also encourage sustainable development within the continent. African leaders should also pursue more diverse trade partnerships, cultivating stronger economic ties with the EU, China, and emerging markets. Local entrepreneurs, supported by investment in infrastructure and innovation, must lead the charge to adapt to new global realities, exploring new markets and technologies that can enable Africa to grow and prosper despite external pressures.
The Human Cost of Policy Decisions and a Call to Action
In the early days of Trump’s second term, it is clear that these decisions are more than just abstract policies they have real, profound effects on people’s lives. Eugene, Nisreen, Hassan, Kwame, and countless others are feeling the weight of these moves. As the Trump administration continues to reshape the global landscape, it’s important to recognise that these decisions have human faces behind them.
It is all too easy to get caught up in the geopolitical manoeuvring, the headlines, and the political spin. But the truth is, these policies are hurting vulnerable communities around the world. Whether it is through cuts to foreign aid, a retreat from global agreements, or the support of authoritarian regimes, the consequences are being felt on the ground.
Minority and Majority world stakeholders must not only react but lead. Whether through political advocacy, regional cooperation, or grassroots activism, the call for empathy, justice, and global solidarity is more urgent than ever. Together, we can push for policies that prioritise the most vulnerable lifting up lives, securing human rights, and building a fairer, more just world.
