How a New Trump Administration Could Shape United States (U.S.) – Africa Energy Relations – Africa.com
With the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, the future of US engagement in Africa’s energy sector will undergo a major shift. President Trump’s energy approach has always focused on strengthening U.S. interests, specifically prioritizing domestic energy production. However, as he aims to strengthen America’s global position, particularly in energy-rich regions such as Africa, his policies are expected to create new opportunities for American investors in the continent’s oil, gas and energy industries.
The renewed focus on Africa comes at a critical time, coinciding with the upcoming 2025 African Energy Investment Forum in Paris. The forum will showcase leading opportunities for global investors, including U.S. companies, to engage in Africa’s energy sector and build new partnerships. As the Trump administration is expected to push for more support for U.S. energy companies in Africa, the forum plays a role in connecting the U.S. investment community to emerging opportunities across the continent and highlighting the potential for greater collaboration between U.S. investors and African countries. plays a key role.
Lessons Learned from the First Semester
During the first Trump administration, U.S. involvement in Africa’s energy sector focused primarily on revitalizing domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign oil. However, the government has also sought to strengthen trade ties, launching initiatives such as Prosper Africa to boost bilateral trade and investment ties. In the oil and gas sector, US companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron, which have established a foothold in the African market, achieved several major milestones between 2017 and 2020. ExxonMobil launches US$30 billion Rovuma LNG development project in Mozambique; Chevron expands operations in deepwater Block 0 in Angola; Kosmos Energy makes major discoveries offshore Senegal and Mauritania, paving the way for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project off the road; Marathon Petroleum continues to expand its operations in Equatorial Guinea through a multi-stage gas megahub.
With President Trump returning to office, the focus is likely to shift to encouraging U.S. companies to expand their presence in Africa, particularly in the oil and gas sector. A key question is whether the Trump administration will provide more support to U.S. energy companies through financing mechanisms such as the Export-Import Bank, not only for renewable energy projects but also for traditional businesses such as natural gas. Such support could give U.S. energy companies a much-needed boost as they seek financing in a region that contains the world’s largest untapped fossil fuel reserves.
Shaping global perceptions of fossil fuels in Africa
Despite growing global scrutiny of fossil fuels, President Trump’s influence could play a key role in reversing the international community’s negative image of fossil fuels in Africa. Under his leadership, the United States is likely to take a more pragmatic approach to African energy, advocating for policies that encourage U.S. companies to participate in the continent’s oil and gas markets. This could foster a more mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Africa, providing strategic opportunities for U.S. companies while increasing their influence in key regions. The Trump administration is also likely to challenge bank boycotts that restrict financing of fossil fuel projects, particularly in developing regions such as Africa. This stance is likely to be welcomed by African countries, where oil and gas remain central to their economic development and energy security.
In addition to government-backed financing, there are signs that President Trump will pursue policies that incentivize the U.S. private sector to participate in African energy markets. By providing a more favorable regulatory environment, the Trump administration could pave the way for U.S. investors seeking to capitalize on the continent’s growing energy needs. With Africa expected to be a key player in the global energy transition over the coming decades, U.S. companies are likely to be encouraged to engage in new exploration and production, as well as projects focused on sustainable energy sources such as natural gas, which is seen as a move toward greener Alternative bridge fuels.
IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3WrJXy4) is a specialized forum aimed at promoting investment in African energy markets and among global investors. The event will take place in Paris on 13 and 14 May 2025 and will give delegates two days of in-depth networking with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a representative, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
