Trump's Tariffs, and the Battle for a New Future for Africa

"From Washington to Johannesburg, from Lesotho to Lagos—shockwaves are ripplingacross an entire continent. Welcome to TheUbuntu Institute, where we dissect the forces shaping Africa and itsdiaspora, with depth, nuance, and bold clarity."

In this episode, wedive headfirst into a geopolitical earthquake that’s threatening to redefineAfrica’s place in the world. Donald Trump is back in the White House—and withhim, a sweeping, hardline shift in U.S.-Africa relations. Gone are the familiarhandshakes and aid packages. In their place? Punitive tariffs up to 50%,collapsed trade agreements, and the unravelling of programs that once savedmillions of lives.

What’s at Stake:

The African Growthand Opportunity Act—AGOA—is all but dead. American aid pipelines like US-AIDand PEPFAR are drying up. Entire industries are collapsing. Thousands ofworkers face uncertain futures. And yet… amid the rubble, a new narrative isbeginning to take shape. Could this be the long-awaited catalyst for Africa’seconomic independence?

The Twist:

As the U.S. turnsinward, China steps into the vacuum—offering zero tariffs, infrastructuredeals, and influence. Nigeria joins BRICS. Pan-African leaders are rethinkingalliances. And the African Continental Free Trade Area, long seen as a sleepinggiant, may finally be awakening.

Key Questions We Explore in This Episode:

This isn’t justabout policy. This is about power, identity, and the future of a continentstanding at the edge of transformation. Stay with us as we unpack theheadlines, challenge the narratives, and ask the questions few dare to.

This is The Ubuntu Institute. Let’s begin.