For decades, United States policy in Africa was often caricatured as “Father Christmas diplomacy”—a donor-driven approach where aid flowed with little expectation of reciprocity. That era is ending. The latest engagements across the continent show Washington is not retreating from Africa, but recalibrating its presence toward strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships.

On February 6, 2026, the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) inaugurated the Joint Steering Committee under their Strategic Partnership Agreement. The DRC government designated its initial list of Strategic Asset Reserve holdings, signaling a new era of cooperation. Vice President JD Vance captured the essence of this shift: “Our goal here… is to align trade policy, development finance, and diplomatic engagement towards a shared strategic objective. And that objective is very simple: diversifying global supply in the critical minerals market while strengthening the partner countries who help all of us in this shared effort.”

This is not charity—it is strategy. Critical minerals, essential for global supply chains, are now at the heart of U.S.-Africa relations.

America First does not mean Africa last. It means Africa is engaged as a partner in prosperity, security, and accountability. US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that President Trump’s administration is modernizing trade frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): “We look forward to working with the U.S. Trade Representative and Congress over the next year to modernize the program to ensure it is more effective in increasing trade with eligible African countries, unleashing economic growth bilaterally, and promoting real prosperity for the United States and Africa.”

This reflects a broader “America First” approach—ensuring U.S. taxpayers see returns while African partners gain market access and investment.

Security cooperation remains central. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria, reinforcing its fight against terrorism. “This delivery… enhances the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian military and contributes to our shared goals for a more secure and stable region,” AFRICOM stated.

Similarly, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomed Nigeria’s National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to the Pentagon, underscoring joint efforts against jihadist groups and violence targeting Christians. These are not one-sided handouts but shared commitments to stability.

The U.S. has signed multi-year bilateral health cooperation MOUs with countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and Lesotho. The $937 million agreement with Côte d’Ivoire explicitly requires co-investment and accountability. As the State Department noted, “Côte d’Ivoire must take greater responsibility for preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious diseases that can threaten the United States.” This marks a departure from donor dependency toward shared responsibility.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) recently closed financing for the Lobito Atlantic Railway, a project designed to boost regional trade and long-term U.S.-Africa partnerships. Meanwhile, Ambassador Jonathan Pratt convened the U.S.-Africa Technical and Regulatory Space Training Meeting, preparing for the NewSpace Africa Conference in Gabon. These initiatives highlight America’s interest in Africa’s future industries, not just its past challenges.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s January 2026 trip to Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti epitomized this strategic engagement. In Cairo, he met U.S. companies investing in Egypt; in Addis Ababa, he discussed commercial opportunities and peace with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; in Nairobi, he addressed counterterrorism and Kenya’s role in Haiti; and in Djibouti, he reinforced security cooperation. Landau also met African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to launch a Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, ensuring continental priorities are addressed.

As US  Deputy Assistant Secretary Sarah Troutman put it: “Transparency and accountability are central at every stage, and those who threaten peace will be held responsible.” This encapsulates the new U.S. posture: no longer paternalistic, but pragmatic, transactional, and strategic.

The United States is not leaving Africa. It is embedding itself more deeply—but on terms that serve both sides. The “Father Christmas” era is over. In its place is a model of shared responsibility, strategic assets, and mutual prosperity, Africa will need to quicky adapt to the developing international relations .