US-Africa Trade Policy Shifting from Aid to Investment

Here’s Is Why The U.S Is Ready to Invest in Africa’s Economic Transformation

At the 2025 Africa Advancement Meeting (#AAM2025), former Trump advisor and communication strategist Jason Miller delivered a powerful keynote on the future of US-Africa trade policy, emphasizing a major shift from traditional aid models to long-term trade and investment partnerships. Speaking alongside Gateway Partners CEO V. Shanker, Miller called on African nations to lead in global economic negotiations and seize emerging opportunities in the global trade arena.

He shed new light on the evolving direction of U.S. trade policy and its implications for Africa. Under the theme “Understanding the Dynamic Shifts in U.S. Trade Policy and Implications for Global and African Economies,” the discussion addressed how protectionism, domestic politics, and shifting global alliances are reshaping international trade dynamics.

Jason Miller emphasized that Africa is no longer a passive participant in global trade but is emerging as a proactive partner. As global trade relationships continue to realign, the continent has the opportunity to reposition itself through stronger negotiation capacity, a unified voice in global forums, and strategic adaptation to new economic rules. He underlined that the era of aid-dominated relations is giving way to a new phase of mutual economic interest between Africa and the United States. This transition, he argued, must be met with clarity, confidence, and a long-term strategy from African leaders.

The conversation highlighted Africa’s growing influence as a global economic force, driven by its fast-rising tech sector, a new generation of entrepreneurs, and increasing investor confidence. Jason Miller pointed to U.S. trade instruments such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Development Finance Corporation (DFC)-backed investments as signs of America’s commitment to long-term economic engagement with Africa. He stated that the U.S. is ready to support Africa not with rhetoric but with tangible results, pledging to help channel American capital into future-focused industries on the continent.

“President Donald Trump wants Africa to know that the US is open for business and the US is going to be your friend. Not with happy talk, but with results”

In a striking closing remark, Jason Miller reaffirmed the vision for Africa’s rise, saying, “Africa’s future and its partnership with America remains as bright as ever, and organisations such as Afreximbank are shining examples of what can be made possible. We will make Africa powerful again. We will make Africa wealthy again. We will make Africa strong again. We will make Africa proud again. We will make Africa safe again. Together we will make Africa great again.

“My pledge and my promise is trying to help bring as much American capital to Africa, and to put it to work on projects of future industries”

The session concluded with a clear message: Africa is at the centre of the global growth conversation, and its partnership with the United States is poised for a transformative future built on trade, investment, and shared prosperity.