US may not regain lost image in Africa

The African continent, Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, may be relatively less developed. But its important geographical location, and vast market and abundant natural resources endue it with significant strategic value.

The Donald Trump administration has made a series of changes to the US' Africa policy since taking office. In October 2017, the Trump administration proposed to Congress that it reduce the aid budget for Africa by one-third. In December, President Trump vowed to withhold aid to the countries that condemned the US' decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. In June, the US adjusted its approval procedures and lengthened the approval process for donations to multilateral institutions such as the African Development Bank, resulting in a reduction in such contributions.

Such US moves have made it harder for African countries, which are yet to emerge from the shocks of the global financial crisis, to get the funds desperately needed for development.