The White House released this week the Trump administration's "National Security Strategy of the United States of America" dated November 2025.
Africa receives relatively brief attention at the end of the 29-page report, although the introduction does include the Egypt/Ethiopia conflict as one of the eight conflicts President Trump has settled in his first eight months in office.
Rather than spread liberal ideology, according to the strategy paper, the US should instead look to partner with select countries to ameliorate conflict, foster mutually beneficial trade relationships, and transition from a foreign aid paradigm to an investment and growth paradigm. It should favor partnerships with capable and reliable states committed to opening their markets to US goods and services. The US should seek good returns on investment in the energy and critical minerals sectors. The US should avoid any long-term American presence or commitments.
Comment: The short section on Africa clearly reflects the Trump administration's "America First" strategy. A policy towards Africa based on trade and investment is a noble goal, but largely dependent on the willingness and ability of the American private sector to implement it. Past history demonstrates that without significant US government incentives, this policy is likely to disappoint.
The inclusion of the conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia as one of the eight resolved by President Trump in his first eight months may come as a surprise to Ethiopia and Egypt.