President Donald Trump continues to value Africa, despite a sweeping freeze on US foreign aid and mounting concerns over new trade tariffs, according to US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos.
Speaking to the BBC’s Newsday programme, Mr. Boulos, a businessman and Trump ally whose son is married to Tiffany Trump, emphasized that Africa remains “very important” to the Trump administration. He sought to downplay fears over embassy closures and humanitarian distress caused by the aid cuts.
Controversial Aid Freeze Hits Health Programmes
Trump enacted a foreign aid freeze on his first day in office as part of his “America First” policy. The move severely impacted health programmes across Africa, including the delivery of life-saving HIV medications.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that six African nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Lesotho, could soon face shortages of HIV drugs. Meanwhile, Save the Children reported that aid cuts forced clinic closures in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of five children and three adults seeking treatment for cholera.
However, Boulos said these deaths could not be directly attributed to US policy, defending the cuts as a step toward “efficiency and transparency” in aid spending.
Trade Tariffs Stir Controversy
Trump’s recent tariffs on African goods—including a 50% tariff on Lesotho’s textiles—sparked concerns over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a key trade pact dating back to 2000. Boulos claimed the impact was minor due to “small trade volumes” and emphasized that negotiations are ongoing to find a “win-win” trade solution.
Focus on DR Congo’s Mineral Wealth
Boulos highlighted growing US interest in extracting minerals in DR Congo, a country rich in lithium and cobalt—resources critical for battery and EV production. He said American companies could help stabilize the war-torn eastern region, which has seen increased rebel activity by the M23 group, allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda.
He called on Rwanda to withdraw its troops and stop aiding rebels before any US investment in Rwanda’s mining sector could proceed. Rwanda has denied involvement in the conflict.
US Prioritizing Strategic Interests
Responding to criticism that the US is exploiting Africa economically while neglecting its welfare, Boulos stated, “Our job is to promote US interests and strategic partnerships.” He cited Sudan’s civil conflict as a key concern for Trump, who he said is determined “to end wars and establish peace.”
Business Ties and Personal Interests
In addition to his diplomatic role, Boulos has business interests in West Africa, including a company that distributes motor vehicles and equipment. He recently visited Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo to discuss trade and security partnerships.
Future of US-Africa Relations
While Boulos attempted to reassure African nations of continued US engagement, the aid cuts, trade tensions, and mining ambitions have drawn criticism from African leaders and development experts alike. With the Republican-controlled Congress showing little appetite to renew Agoa, questions linger about the long-term direction of US policy on the continent.
Category: US Politics, Global Development, Africa News, Trade & Economics, Diplomacy & International Relations
Tags: Trump, Massad Boulos, US foreign aid, Africa trade, HIV drugs Africa, DR Congo minerals, Lesotho tariffs, Agoa, US-Africa relations, Tiffany Trump, USAID cuts
