A newly released US National Security Strategy outlines a shift in Washington’s approach to Africa, emphasizing targeted partnerships—including Ethiopia and conflict-prevention initiatives in the wider Horn of Africa.
The document, issued by the White House and signed by President Donald Trump, proposes leveraging new diplomatic, economic, and security tools to advance U.S. interests on the continent. It underscores the need to move beyond decades of aid-centered relations toward trade and investment-driven engagement.
“For far too long, American policy in Africa has focused on providing, and later on spreading, liberal ideology,” the document states. “The United States should instead look to partner with select countries to ameliorate conflict, foster mutually beneficial trade relationships, and transition from a foreign aid paradigm to an investment and growth paradigm capable of harnessing Africa’s abundant natural resources and latent economic potential.”
The strategy identifies opportunities to help address active conflicts, such as those between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, as well as Sudan. It also cites the need to prevent emerging disputes in the Horn of Africa, naming Ethiopia’s strained relationships with Somalia and Eritrea. Tensions have escalated in recent months as landlocked Ethiopia seeks access to the Red Sea, a move strongly opposed by neighboring governments and Egypt.
Washington’s reoriented priorities place energy and critical minerals among the leading sectors for US investment in Africa, citing commercial gains alongside geopolitical competition. The document calls for deeper cooperation with “capable, reliable states” that open their markets to American firms, particularly in areas such as nuclear power, liquified petroleum gas, and liquified natural gas technologies.
The strategy also warns of persistent threats from Islamist militant groups but insists the United States must avoid “long-term American presence or commitments” on the continent.
“To ensure that America remains the world’s strongest, richest, most powerful, and most successful country for decades to come, our country needs a coherent, focused strategy for how we interact with the world,” it reads.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call Wednesday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, during which both officials reiterated a shared commitment to regional stability and efforts to advance peace in the Horn of Africa.
On November 25, Abiy received Dagvin R. M. Anderson (Gen.), Commander of US Africa Command, for talks on regional security and opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
