Trump administration shutters MCC, raising questions on U.S. influence in Africa
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the closure of the American agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which invests billions of dollars in projects, primarily in Africa, a representative of the MCC informed employees on Wednesday.
According to AFP, MCC is to immediately withdraw from its various projects, from road construction to power grid modernisation, which will likely leave them unfinished.
The shutdown of MCC was announced after the State Efficiency Department (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, issued a document that announced a significant "reduction" in the number of the agency's programme staff.
MCC was established in 2004 by President George W. Bush to assist countries that share American standards of democracy, governance, and a liberal economy. The institution received strong support from congressmen of both parties.
Since its inception, the agency has invested $17 (£13) billion in numerous projects, e.g., $500 (£376) million in road modernisation, irrigation system, and power grid development in Zambia.
AFP writes that investing in the infrastructure of developing countries is seen as an important area for expanding influence by global powers, and China is very active in Africa.
China is Africa's largest business partner
China is the largest trading partner of African countries. According to official Chinese media, in the first quarter of 2024, the bilateral trade exchange of all African countries with China amounted to $167,8 (£126) billion.
President Trump, who - according to experts - has a transactional approach to diplomacy, shows little interest in sub-Saharan Africa and providing public assistance to other countries unless it is directly beneficial to the U.S.
