Africa First? Why Trump’s Tariff Wars Could Benefit African Trade Strategies

For decades, African countries have been lectured on the virtues of free trade, open markets, and globalization. Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), imposed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the 1980s and 1990s, forced governments to dismantle protective policies, privatize key industries, and slash subsidies. The result? Local industries collapsed, joblessness soared, and Africa became even more dependent on imports, including second-hand clothes and processed agricultural products that it should have been exporting.

Attempt by African countries to protect their nascent industries were met with fierce resistance. A glaring example is the East African Community’s (EAC) 2016 proposal to ban the importation of second-hand clothes to revive its local textile industry. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania argued that an influx of cheap used clothing—mostly from the U.S. and Europe—was killing local production and destroying jobs. The U.S. response? Threats to suspend these countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade deal that provides duty-free access to American markets. Under pressure, Kenya backed down, and other nations hesitated.

But now, the rules of global trade are changing. U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs and his “America First” policy have reversed decades of U.S. support for free trade. Tariffs on Chinese goods, the EU, and even long-time allies like Canada and Mexico have signaled a shift away from the global trade orthodoxy that has defined the post-World War II economy. The question African nations should be asking is: if the world’s largest economy can impose protective tariffs to shield its industries, why can’t Africa?

The Hypocrisy of Global Trade Rules

Trump’s argument for imposing tariffs is simple: the U.S. has been “taken advantage of” by trading partners for too long. But what about Africa? The continent has faced economic exploitation at the hands of Western nations for centuries—through unfair trade terms, resource extraction, and neocolonial economic policies. If the U.S. can justify tariffs in the name of protecting its economy, why shouldn’t Africa do the same?

With protectionism no longer a taboo, Africa has an opportunity to rethink its trade policies. If the U.S. can raise tariffs to shield its industries, why shouldn’t African nations adopt an Africa First strategy to nurture local manufacturing, agriculture, and value-added industries? The global economic order is shifting, and Africa must position itself strategically, rather than passively accepting dictated terms.

The ongoing tariff wars highlight a simple truth: trade is political, and economic sovereignty requires strategic intervention. African governments must reassess their policies and take decisive action to protect key industries. Raising tariffs on select imports, investing in domestic production, and negotiating trade deals that prioritize African interests should no longer be seen as radical but as necessary steps toward self-reliance.

Of course, such moves will not come without resistance. If Kenya, for example, were to impose tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, the response would likely be swift and punitive. However, the precedent set by global powers provides both justification and a roadmap for counteraction. Africa must leverage its collective bargaining power, build regional value chains, and use instruments like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen intra-African trade and reduce dependency on external markets.

The bottom line is: If the West can rewrite the rules to serve its interests, Africa must do the same. The era of economic subjugation must give way to a bold, unapologetic pursuit of economic sovereignty. The question is: Will Africa rise to the occasion?

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