“Ghosting” is a familiar term in modern dating: one person seems interested, sends the usual “I’m swamped with work” messages, and then disappears. The same pattern seems to define Washington’s latest approach to Africa.
The much-anticipated third edition of the US Africa Leaders’ Summit, which was to take place in September 2025 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, has been postponed indefinitely. The Trump administration cited scheduling conflicts amid trade tensions with China and domestic pressures. Yet, the delay contradicts the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires that the next summit be held before the year’s end and biennially thereafter. This marks the second delay of what was supposed to be President Trump’s first major engagement with African leaders.
It is not a shock. The decision reinforces the perception that Africa has slipped further down the list of American foreign policy priorities. Under the “America First” agenda, Washington’s commercial diplomacy has tilted towards competition with China rather than cooperation with Africa. Foreign assistance to some of the continent’s most vulnerable nations has plummeted, visa restrictions have resurfaced, tariffs on African exports have been imposed, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act now faces an uncertain future.
Even the administration’s preference for limited “mini summits” with select countries signals a shift away from multilateral engagement. It is a far cry from the expansive 2022 gathering under President Biden, which saw over forty African heads of state in attendance. While that meeting produced modest but tangible commitments, it at least suggested a return to consistent dialogue.
American engagement with Africa has always depended on who occupies the Oval Office. George W. Bush and John F. Kennedy are often remembered for their deeper engagement. Bush in particular built enduring partnerships through initiatives such as PEPFAR, which saved millions of lives. Obama’s record was more cautious, while Biden made gestures toward renewal. Trump’s approach, however, seems defined by a mix of disinterest and unpredictability.
This unpredictability carries consequences. The postponement of the summit sends a clear message to African nations: the United States will not always be a reliable partner. It is a reminder that Africa’s future cannot hinge on the whims of Washington. The transactional nature of the current administration’s diplomacy leaves African governments with little room for long-term planning or policy consistency.
Yet the responsibility also lies within Africa. The continent’s leaders must reimagine how they engage with external powers. A reactive posture has rarely yielded good results. If the United States prefers bilateral dealings, Africa’s strength must lie in unity. Acting collectively on issues of trade, security, and climate can give the continent the leverage it often lacks when divided.
There are lessons in history. OPEC demonstrated that strategic coordination among resource-rich nations can shift global dynamics. African states could apply similar principles in industries such as critical minerals, ensuring that their resources serve continental rather than external priorities.
At the same time, Africa must avoid overdependence on any one partner. Diversifying economic and diplomatic ties remains essential, whether through deeper continental trade, renewed partnerships in Asia, or stronger South-South cooperation. America will continue to matter, but it should not dictate Africa’s path.
The postponed summit may seem like a diplomatic inconvenience, but it offers a rare opportunity. It forces African leaders to think beyond handshakes and speeches, to redefine the terms of engagement in a way that reflects shared respect and mutual benefit.
Africa has enough political weight and economic potential to shape its own narrative. What remains is the will to act in concert, to present a unified and confident voice. If Washington has chosen to ghost the continent, then perhaps it is time for Africa to stop waiting for the next call.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of this publication.
Juliet Onyino is a Development Analyst and writer focusing on international relations and African political economy.
