By:Abdullahi Inuwa
Former President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, has dismissed concerns over policy decisions by United States President Donald Trump, stressing that Africa’s future must be anchored on policies crafted in the best interests of African nations, not external anxieties.
Speaking with characteristic candour, Adesina said he was untroubled by Trump’s choices, noting that the former U.S. president was elected by Americans to prioritise American interests — just as African leaders must do for their own people.
“I am not worried about President Trump’s decision. He was elected by the American people to serve their interests,” Adesina said. “What matters is that we run policies in the best interests of our nations and Africa.”
The respected development economist and former helmsman of the African Development Bank argued that Africa’s progress cannot be outsourced to global politics, urging leaders on the continent to focus on sound governance, economic reforms, and homegrown solutions.
According to him, shifting global power dynamics should serve as a wake-up call for Africa to strengthen intra-African trade, invest aggressively in infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital, and reduce dependency on foreign policy swings in Washington, Europe, or elsewhere.
Adesina’s remarks come amid renewed global debate over the implications of U.S. policy directions on Africa, particularly in trade, aid, climate finance, and security cooperation. But the former AfDB president maintained that Africa must stop reacting defensively to external decisions and instead act strategically.
“Every nation pursues its own interest. Africa must do the same — boldly, confidently, and collectively,” he added.
Observers say Adesina’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among African policymakers and intellectuals who believe the continent’s destiny lies in strong institutions, regional integration, and self-driven development — not in the outcome of elections beyond its shores.
As global politics continue to shift, Adesina’s message is clear: Africa’s focus should be inward, its vision long-term, and its policies firmly rooted in the aspirations of its people.
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