By Shingirai Vambe
Just hours after taking office on Monday, Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.
“The State Department cable said effective immediately, senior officials “shall ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no new obligations shall be made for foreign assistance” until Rubio has made a decision after a review. It says that for existing foreign assistance awards stop-work orders shall be issued immediately until reviewed by Rubio”.
The upcoming second term of Donald Trump as the President of the United States has sparked a mix of uncertainty and anticipation across Africa, including Zimbabwe. Trump’s “America First” doctrine has raised questions about the continent’s relationship with the US, particularly in areas such as trade, security, aid, and immigration.
Historically, US-Africa relations have been shaped by a mix of diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests. During the Obama administration, for instance, the US launched the Power Africa initiative, aimed at increasing access to electricity across the continent. However, Trump’s presidency has marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, with a greater emphasis on bilateral trade agreements and security cooperation.
In Zimbabwe, the impact of Trump’s presidency has been felt in various ways. The country has been subject to US sanctions since 2003, imposed due to concerns over human rights abuses and democratic governance. While these sanctions have been relaxed in recent years, the Trump administration has maintained a cautious approach towards Zimbabwe, citing ongoing concerns over corruption and human rights.
One area where Trump’s presidency has had a significant impact on Africa is trade. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US trade preference program, has been a key driver of US-Africa trade relations. However, Trump’s “America First” approach has led to increased tensions over trade, with the US imposing tariffs on certain African countries, including South Africa.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for US-Africa cooperation under Trump’s second term. The US has been actively engaged in counter-terrorism efforts across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. The US has also been a key player in efforts to promote economic development and investment in Africa, through initiatives such as the Prosper Africa program.
In Zimbabwe, there are hopes that Trump’s second term could lead to increased investment and economic cooperation. The country has significant mineral resources, including platinum and gold, which could attract US investment. However, any potential cooperation will depend on Zimbabwe’s ability to address ongoing concerns over corruption and governance.
Overall, Trump’s second term is likely to bring significant changes to US-Africa relations, including in Zimbabwe. While there are opportunities for cooperation, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of global politics, it is clear that the continent will need to be proactive in shaping its own destiny.
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has had significant implications globally, including in Zimbabwe. In 2019, the US formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the agreement, which was finalized in November 2020. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The agreement requires countries to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Zimbabwe, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s NDCs focus on the energy sector, with plans to increase the use of renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency.
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has had a net effect on Zimbabwe in several ways including reduced international funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in Zimbabwe.
Again, in May 2020, the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw the US from the WHO, citing concerns over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged bias towards China. The withdrawal took effect in July 2021, but the Biden administration later reversed the decision, and the US rejoined the WHO in January 2021. The US withdrawal from the WHO had significant implications for global health, particularly in Africa, where the WHO plays a critical role in supporting healthcare systems and responding to health crises.
However, other sources say Trump’s order is unlawful, “Freezing these international investments will lead our international partners to seek other funding partners, likely U.S. competitors and adversaries to fill this hole and displace the United States’ influence the longer this unlawful impoundment continues,”
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