African growth boom follows Trump push to replace aid with trade

Lead

The Trump administration is shifting its focus from traditional foreign aid to private investment and trade, a move that officials say is already boosting economic growth in developing countries. The 'Trade Over Aid' initiative aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth by prioritizing American business and private-sector-led development over taxpayer-funded assistance.

Coverage Comparison

This story is based on reporting from Fox News. One article detailed the administration's policy shift and the promotion of the initiative at a U.S. Mission to the United Nations forum. Another highlighted the economic impact in Africa, citing data on growth, exports, and commercial transactions.

Key Claims

• The Trump administration is shifting its focus from traditional foreign aid to private investment and trade.
• The 'Trade Over Aid' initiative aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in developing countries.
• The U.S. Mission to the United Nations hosted a forum to promote the 'Trade Over Aid' initiative.
• Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that the administration is 'completely reforming how we do aid' by moving away from taxpayer-funded programs.
• The initiative has received support from 46 countries and has launched a digital library with 63 capacity-building offers.
• Nine of the 20 fastest-growing economies are in Africa, according to Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs Frank Garcia.
• U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa increased by 23% in 2025, reaching $22.6 billion.
• The Commercial Diplomacy Strategy has led to 37 commercial transactions worth $25.67 billion.
• The America First Global Health Strategy has signed 34 bilateral global health Memoranda of Understanding.
• The administration has cut funding for a U.S. anti-AIDS program known as PEPFAR.

Analysis

Fox News reported that the U.S. administration is "completely reforming how we do aid," according to Ambassador Mike Waltz, who spoke at a forum hosted by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. The forum promoted the 'Trade Over Aid' initiative, which aims to replace traditional aid with private investment and trade. Waltz argued that past aid programs yielded little return and that the private sector is key to job creation and economic growth.

The initiative has reportedly gained support from 46 countries and includes a digital library with 63 capacity-building offers. Officials credit the policy shift with an economic boom in Africa, where "nine of the 20 fastest-growing economies are in Africa," as stated by Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia. In 2025, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa rose by 23% to $22.6 billion. The Commercial Diplomacy Strategy has been linked to 37 commercial transactions worth $25.67 billion, and the America First Global Health Strategy has signed 34 bilateral health memoranda.

Some observers, such as Anna Mahjar-Barducci of the Middle East Media Research Institute, told Fox News that predictions of economic collapse after USAID funding cuts did not materialize. Instead, they point to resilience and growth, citing IMF projections of Sub-Saharan Africa growing at 4.3% to 4.6% in 2026, outpacing Asia. Despite these positive indicators, the administration has cut funding for PEPFAR, a U.S. anti-AIDS program.

While the reporting is promotional in tone, the article presents the administration's perspective and supporting data. It does not include independent verification or dissenting views, but the reported facts stand as presented by the source.