During his first term as US president, Donald Trump showed little interest in US-Africa relations. The continent also didn't feature much in his inauguration speech for his second term, except for his vow to send back undocumented migrants, a campaign plea that played a key role in his reelection.

Nonetheless, several Ghanaians who spoke to DW have high expectations of Trump's second term. Jennifer Nartey says she is optimistic about the US-Africa partnership. "I'm expecting that he will focus on building more partnerships with African countries, of which Ghana is part."

However, Nartey also highlighted concerns over LGBTQ+ rights, expecting Trump to influence African nations' policies. "I'm expecting that he would work on it ... that he'll push it so that other smaller countries or African countries that are looking at him can follow his route," she added.

Fred Awuni, a resident in the capital, Accra, echoed her sentiment. "As an African, I hold esteemed values concerning it [LGBTQ+ rights]. So, I think when he's able to abolish it, I'd really appreciate it," Awuni said.

Last year, Ghana's parliament passed a controversial anti-LGBTQ+  bill that criminalizes adult consensual same-sex. Human rights groups have criticized the bill, which is yet to be signed into law, as persecution against sexual and gender minorities.

Already, Trump has rolled back protections for persons who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. On his first day in office, he mandated that the United States would only recognize two sexes—male and female—in all official government documents.

Cautious optimism on Trump's second term

"I don't think that the election of President Trump will change a lot of thingsrelations between Mali and the United States," a Malian who lives in the capital, Bamako, told DW.

In neighboring Niger, there was criticism of Trump's relations with Africa. "During his first term, he did not show any interest in working or collaborating with Africans," a local told DW, adding that he does not expect significant changes in his approach.

Reactions in Cameroon were more cautious. "Cameroon is a partner of the United States of America, and therefore, Cameroonian diplomacy should tune its violin for the new situation," one Yaounde resident told DW.

"Africa today is unavoidable. Africa's position is vital for peace and the consolidation of global stability," one resident in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, said. He stressed the need for balanced relations between the US, Russia, and other global powers.

Healthcare and immigration under scrutiny

Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) is already sending shockwaves across Africa. Kudzai Zvinavashe from Zimbabwe described the move as a "huge blow," particularly for Africa's under-resourced healthcare systems. "The World Health Organization has been critical in plugging the gap, especially in emergencies such as Ebola, COVID, and mpox," he told DW.

Immigration policies under Trump's administration also face scrutiny. Gracious Nyathi highlighted the potential impact of executive orders on young Africans seeking opportunities in the US. "Considering that Trump has come with a very much radical approach with regards to immigration, it would definitely crush their American dream," Nyathi said, while maintaining cautious hope for future opportunities.

Africa needs to adapt to a transactional Trump

Prof. Etsey Sikanku, a political communication expert, offered a blunt analysis of Trump's second term, emphasizing Africa's need to adapt to his transactional approach. "Donald Trump is an open book," Sinkaku told DW. "He has made it clear that his policy is America first," he remarked, highlighting Trump's nationalist priorities.

"Africans should position themselves to deal with a transactional Donald Trump."

Sikanku cited Trump's controversial remarks about Africa, suggesting they encapsulate his broader stance. When somebody opens their hand and shows you what they think about you, I think it's enough for you to get a clear sense of who you are dealing with," he added.

Sikanku offered little hope about Trump's trade policies. Trump has shown little interest in extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and his proposed 10% tariff on imports presents challenges for African economies. Sikanku argues that African nations must prepare for a "less globalist Donald Trump" and anticipate changes in aid programs and trade relations.

While some African voices see Trump's second term as a chance to reframe US-Africa relations, others remain wary of his past policies and rhetoric. From healthcare to immigration, Trump's presidency is expected to shape Africa's engagement with the US in familiar and uncertain ways.

The continent stands at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of Trump's policies while seeking opportunities for growth and partnership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu