The Africa Faith and Justice Network, invites you to “Navigating the Future of US-Africa Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in a Shifting Landscape.” This hybrid event will take place on Tuesday, March 11 at 11:30 am at Open Gov Hub, 1100 13th St NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 and on Zoom. Light refreshments will be provided to those attending in person and registration is required.
The recent shift in US policies towards Africa has raised concerns about the future of US-Africa relations, leaving vital programs uncertain. Despite this challenge, some experts see this ‘America First’ shift as an opportunity for African nations to accelerate economic self-sufficiency by transitioning beyond aid as evidenced in the Sahel and other regions of Africa. This new dynamic raises important questions about the impact on Africa’s economic future, particularly in areas such as effective institutions building, increased economic diversification, and strengthening trade and regional integration in leveraging Africa’s rich natural and human resources to drive economic growth.
Navigating the Future of US-Africa Relations: Opportunities and Challenges in a Shifting Landscape
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
11:30 am – 1:00 pm EST (US/Canada)
Open Gov Hub
1100 13th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005
(light refreshments provided)
Featuring
Keynote Speaker
H.E. Ebrahim Rasool
Ambassador of South Africa to the United States, Embassy of South Africa
Moderator
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers
Executive Director, Africa Faith and Justice Network
Panelists
Rev. Barwendé Sané, SJ
Senior Fellow, Africa Faith and Justice Network
Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith
Strategist for Pan African and Orthodox Faith Engagement, Bread for the World
Abstract
The recent shift in US policies towards Africa has sparked concerns about the future of US-Africa relations. The abrupt cutoff of US humanitarian aid has left vital programs in limbo. In Sudan, 40 community kitchens serving 1 million displaced people have been forced to close. In South Africa, Trump’s Executive Order cut $440 million in aid funding HIV/AIDS clinics, prompting the country to ban US companies and businesses, resulting in a $25 billion loss in annual US profits.
Despite the challenges, some experts see this “America-First” shift as an opportunity for Africa to accelerate economic self-sufficiency by transitioning beyond aid. With its rich agriculture, mineral and energy resources, as well as a growing diaspora, African leaders are increasingly looking elsewhere for development. The Sahel region, where countries like Niger and Burkina Faso are moving away from Western assistance, represents this shift.
This move may help Africa build effective institutions, increase economic diversification, and strengthen trade and regional integration. However, as Africa navigates this new landscape, questions arise about the type of US-Africa relationship that is beneficial to Africa, and the policies that can help the continent shape its own destiny. As Africa navigates this new landscape, the future of US-Africa relations hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen how this seismic shift will play out.
Our guests who serve at the forefront of this relationship will provide perspectives on how African leaders steer this seismic shift and build effective institutions, diversify their economies, and strengthen regional integration to unlock the continent’s vast potential.
The Event will Explore:
- The implications of the recent shift is US policies towards Africa.
- The case studies of Niger and Burkina Faso in moving away from Western assistance which policies may assist the continent shape its own destiny.
- African nation’s opportunities and challenges navigating this new landscape building new institutions, economic diversification and strengthening regional integration and trade.
