International trade and investment expert and founder of Techfied Africa, Abaz Ibekwe, has applauded President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States (POTUS).
This is even as the investment expert urged Africa leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to embrace a new era of mutually beneficial trade partnerships that will help African governments to build beneficial relationships to address pressing, political and economic questions.
Ibekwe, who’s the director of Africa Diaspora Economic Council and convener of the US-Africa Trade Expo, alluded that Trump’s commitment to serving the people of United States remains a historic moment, adding that only a few nations influence global markets through local politics as profound as the United States.
He said for many Africans, Trump’s presidency brings immediate thoughts of immigration while buttressing that his administration will be resolute in enforcing tougher immigration policies, leading to large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, many of whom are Africans.
He assured that the transition to a new U.S. administration would provide Africa with a unique opportunity to reshape trade policies and solidify its position in global supply chains.
He highlighted that Trump administration signals intent to implement tariffs on countries like China and Mexico, which have historically leveraged the U.S. market, Africa stands as a natural partner. A strategic pivot toward Africa could yield immense benefits for both American consumers and African producers.
In addition, he posited that For America to maintain its relevance in global markets, its presence in Africa is essential. Rising influences from economic powers like Russia, China, and the UAE highlight Africa’s increasing importance as a trade partner. This should be seen as the dawn of a new era of global collaboration.
He stated that some Africans feel threatened by Trump’s “America First” policies, while adding that there is another perspective of: Trump as a collaborator-in-chief for Africa.
Continuing, he said Over the years, U.S. presidents have introduced various initiatives to support Africa. For instance, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), launched by Bill Clinton in 2001, allowed tariff-free exports from Africa to the United States. Yet, AGOA has not been fully maximized.
In 2018, despite his controversial trade policies, Trump made a significant move by launching Prosper Africa, a program designed to foster business partnerships between U.S. and African enterprises.
He said: “This laid the foundation for one of the most impactful U.S.-Africa economic partnerships in recent history.
“The Biden administration expanded on this by enhancing initiatives like Prosper Africa, Power Africa, and the U.S. Africa Development Foundation. These partnerships have facilitated nearly 1,700 deals worth over $63 billion across 41 African countries. In 2024 alone, the U.S. helped close 401 deals valued at $32.5 billion.”
He asserted that what makes Trump’s approach distinct is his focus on economic collaboration, emphasizing partnerships over aid. This shift from aid-driven models encourages African self-reliance and sustainable growth. To benefit, Africa must embrace self-reliance, engage in global trade on equal footing, and negotiate as equals.
He added that instead of adopting a victim mentality, Africans must master global commerce and confidently participate in shaping their economic destiny.
He further said with Trumps ascension to office, African stakeholders have already made strides to position the continent for success. Following the inaugural Massachusetts Trade Briefing to Africa, where a delegation of 112 African businesses participated, we partnered to establish the Africa Diaspora Economic Council in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He said”.
Building on this momentum, we are hosting the U.S.-Africa Trade Expo, a landmark event set to take place on June 6-7, 2025, at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together African entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to connect, collaborate, and unlock new opportunities in U.S.-Africa trade partnerships.
Int’l Trade Expert Applauds Trump’s Return To White House
* Urges African entrepreneurs, investors, leaders to embrace new era
BY KINGSLEY OKOH, Lagos
International trade and investment expert and founder of Techfied Africa, Abaz Ibekwe, has applauded President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States (POTUS).
This is even as the investment expert urged Africa leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to embrace a new era of mutually beneficial trade partnerships that will help African governments to build beneficial relationships to address pressing, political and economic questions.
Ibekwe, who’s the director of Africa Diaspora Economic Council and convener of the US-Africa Trade Expo, alluded that Trump’s commitment to serving the people of United States remains a historic moment, adding that only a few nations influence global markets through local politics as profound as the United States.
He said for many Africans, Trump’s presidency brings immediate thoughts of immigration while buttressing that his administration will be resolute in enforcing tougher immigration policies, leading to large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, many of whom are Africans.
He assured that the transition to a new U.S. administration would provide Africa with a unique opportunity to reshape trade policies and solidify its position in global supply chains.
He highlighted that Trump administration signals intent to implement tariffs on countries like China and Mexico, which have historically leveraged the U.S. market, Africa stands as a natural partner. A strategic pivot toward Africa could yield immense benefits for both American consumers and African producers.
In addition, he posited that For America to maintain its relevance in global markets, its presence in Africa is essential. Rising influences from economic powers like Russia, China, and the UAE highlight Africa’s increasing importance as a trade partner. This should be seen as the dawn of a new era of global collaboration.
He stated that some Africans feel threatened by Trump’s “America First” policies, while adding that there is another perspective of: Trump as a collaborator-in-chief for Africa.
Continuing, he said Over the years, U.S. presidents have introduced various initiatives to support Africa. For instance, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), launched by Bill Clinton in 2001, allowed tariff-free exports from Africa to the United States. Yet, AGOA has not been fully maximized.
In 2018, despite his controversial trade policies, Trump made a significant move by launching Prosper Africa, a program designed to foster business partnerships between U.S. and African enterprises.
He said: “This laid the foundation for one of the most impactful U.S.-Africa economic partnerships in recent history.
“The Biden administration expanded on this by enhancing initiatives like Prosper Africa, Power Africa, and the U.S. Africa Development Foundation. These partnerships have facilitated nearly 1,700 deals worth over $63 billion across 41 African countries. In 2024 alone, the U.S. helped close 401 deals valued at $32.5 billion.”
He asserted that what makes Trump’s approach distinct is his focus on economic collaboration, emphasizing partnerships over aid. This shift from aid-driven models encourages African self-reliance and sustainable growth. To benefit, Africa must embrace self-reliance, engage in global trade on equal footing, and negotiate as equals.
He added that instead of adopting a victim mentality, Africans must master global commerce and confidently participate in shaping their economic destiny.
He further said with Trumps ascension to office, African stakeholders have already made strides to position the continent for success. Following the inaugural Massachusetts Trade Briefing to Africa, where a delegation of 112 African businesses participated, we partnered to establish the Africa Diaspora Economic Council in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He said”.
Building on this momentum, we are hosting the U.S.-Africa Trade Expo, a landmark event set to take place on June 6-7, 2025, at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together African entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to connect, collaborate, and unlock new opportunities in U.S.-Africa trade partnerships.
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