Though inevitable, President Donald Trump, on assumption of office as the 47th president of the United States, has instituted a comprehensive crackdown on illegal immigration and has broadly suspended U.S. foreign aid. Although these actions have different immediate targets, they send a powerful message to African leaders that reliance on foreign aid is increasingly unstable and fragile, and there is no better time than now to work towards self-sufficiency.
The Trumportation directive: A new era of deportation
Shortly after his inauguration, President Trump enacted Executive Order 14159, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This order significantly broadens the scope of expedited removals and enhances interior enforcement activities (Federal Register, 2025). It authorises government agencies, particularly the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to carry out large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. This operation I described as Trumportation has led to extensive raids in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, resulting in the detention of thousands of individuals. The administration’s strong stance is further evidenced by the deployment of military assets to expedite deportations. Military aircraft, including C-17 flights, have been used to repatriate deportees to their countries of origin.
The foreign aid suspension: A sudden halt
The Trump administration has announced a 90-day suspension of nearly all U.S. foreign aid programs as it conducts a thorough review to ensure alignment with the “America First” policy. This abrupt halt in aid has significant implications for international aid organisations, particularly in Africa, where many countries depend heavily on U.S. support for essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The immediate consequences of this suspension are severe. For example, in Ethiopia, the withdrawal of funding has forced organisations like Action Against Hunger to halt critical nutrition programs, leaving hundreds of thousands of individuals, including malnourished children, without necessary assistance. (Maggie Fick, 2025)
A dual wake-up call for African leadership
The emergence of these policies starkly illuminates the vulnerabilities inherent in a heavy reliance on external powers. The extensive deportations will undoubtedly result in a significant influx of returnees to various African nations, many of whom are likely to face formidable challenges as they attempt to reintegrate into societies they left behind years ago. The simultaneous withdrawal of funding poses a grave threat to essential services, exacerbating already pressing socio-economic issues that have long plagued these communities. African leaders must come to a critical realisation that dependence on foreign aid and the exportation of labour is neither a sustainable nor an effective strategy for fostering long-term development. It is imperative to seek alternative pathways that empower local resources and harness the potential of their populations to build a resilient future.
Charting a path toward self-reliance
Given these unfolding trends, African countries must adopt a strategy centred on self-reliance and resilience. This means diversifying their economies to reduce reliance on a narrow range of exports and external financing. By investing in technology, solutions-orientated research, efficient energy, and value-added agriculture, countries can create jobs and foster sustainable economic growth. Additionally, strengthening governance frameworks to improve transparency and accountability will attract both domestic and international investments. Implementing effective tax collection mechanisms and addressing corruption can enhance public revenue, enabling governments to finance their development initiatives independently. Regional cooperation is also essential for achieving these goals.
Embracing the challenge
The current geopolitical landscape, marked by the recent U.S. administration’s strict immigration policies and a re-evaluation of foreign aid, poses significant challenges for African countries. However, it also provides a critical opportunity for reflection and change. African leaders must seize this moment to reshape the future of their nations by implementing policies that promote self-sufficiency, economic diversification, and regional cooperation. By doing so, they can mitigate the impact of external policy changes and build a foundation for sustainable growth that is resilient to the fluctuations of global politics.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised, “Nigeria and Africa must stop lamenting and look inward for solutions to our problems.” This perspective is especially pertinent today. The transportation policy and the suspension of foreign aid are not just policy decisions; they serve as urgent reminders for Africa to prioritise self-reliance. By rising to this challenge, African nations can transform difficulties into opportunities, paving the way for a future where their destinies are shaped not by external influences but by the collective will and resourcefulness of their own people.
Tosin Afeniforo is a sustainable development practitioner and Ph.D. scholar in Italy.
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