Trump's second term: A rare opportunity for real African energy independence

DONALD Trump's return to the White House in 2025 marks a defining moment for Africa's fossil fuel industry. Within weeks of his inauguration, his administration reproved a $4.7 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank (Exim) for TotalEnergies' liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique.

- NJ AYUK

This funding, first granted during Trump's initial term in 2020, languished under President Joe Biden's tenure, eliciting the latter's aversion to fossil fuel initiatives. The swift revival of this loan signals a new era of US-Africa collaboration — one that prioritizes energy development over ideological concerns related to climate change and the environment.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) believes Africa must seize this fleeting opportunity. For decades, international protocols and public concerns have stymied Africa's efforts to natively abandon fossil fuels in favour of renewables, often ignoring the continent's immediate needs and casting long-term future, fossil fuels — oil, gas and coal — remain at the backbone of any realistic, near-term industrialization and economic upliftment.

These are not abstractions; they are urgent necessities for a continent where millions live in reliable power. Trump's energy-first ethos aligns with that of Africa, offering a chance to unlock substantial resources and expertise for a wide range of fossil fuel projects, from offshore drilling to onshore ventures and gas-to-liquids entities.

The Mozambique LNG Project exemplifies this stance. Initially stalled by security concerns and Biden-era hesitancy, its revival under Trump cuts through bureaucratic inertia, with striking efficiency. The $4.7bn infusion will bolster Mozambique's economy, create jobs, and position the country as a key LNG exporter. More broadly, it sends a powerful message to other African nations: under Trump, American aid is again open for business.