What Does Trump's Win Mean For Africa? Should We be Worried?

Across Africa, Donald Trump's win has provoked deep uncertainty over how the United States will pursue policies on the continent.

Many African countries had high hopes that Barack Obama would bring transformative benefits to the continent. We were sorely disappointed.

Now many wonder, what next? One possible pointer is Trump's often repeated vow to kill "terrorists". This may lead to more aggressive US intervention against Islamist forces such as Boko Haram, and Shabaab militants in Kenya, Somalia and elsewhere.

One of Trump's clearest themes on the campaign trail was his opposition to international trade deals that he says have put millions of Americans out of work.

Less aid money?

Trump's victory acceptance speech suggested a more protectionist approach to international relations, stressing "we will always put America's interests first".

His potential pivot to isolationism could also impact the aid money that the US spends on health, education, agriculture and humanitarian crises across Africa.

Africa is seen as especially vulnerable to drought and floods caused by climate change, and Trump's election has shaken the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He has dismissed alarm about global warming and threatened to renegotiate or cancel US backing for the landmark Paris climate deal signed last year.

As African leaders rushed to congratulate the incoming president, Peter Vale, a professor of humanities at the University of Johannesburg, advised them to try to build whatever relationship they can with the Trump government.

"Africa is likely to slide down the list of foreign policy priorities of a Donald Trump administration," Vale wrote in an analysis briefing.

"He is going to be intolerant and disinterested in issues around the domestic politics of African countries.

"The worst that African countries can do, however difficult it will be politically, would be to show their displeasure and hold their noses."