How Africa Can Play Its Cards Right with President Trump to Benefit from the Abraham Accords – A Strategic Opportunity

Israel

Opinion By: Samuel Shay

President Trump’s final roadmap for peace and economic development in the Middle East does not stop at Gaza or the Gulf. Africa is a central part of this vision—a continent endowed with immense natural wealth, a strategic location, and a young, dynamic workforce. The question is how Africa chooses to present itself: as a dependent continent seeking aid, or as a powerful, resource-rich partner ready to shape its own future in collaboration with the world.

1. The Missed Opportunity in Washington

The recent White House meeting between President Trump and five African presidents revealed Africa’s greatest challenge. The leaders were invited to present their continent’s potential, but instead of showcasing Africa’s strength, they approached the discussion with a narrative of weakness. They asked for aid, for donations, and for U.S. investment as if Africa were a helpless continent in need of saving.

For Trump—who values resilience, entrepreneurship, and mutually beneficial deals—this mentality was unacceptable. What was planned as a three-day summit collapsed after only thirty minutes. The disappointment was not because Africa lacks resources, but because it failed to present itself as a confident partner. This was a critical lesson: if Africa wants to be taken seriously, it must change its mindset and narrative from dependence to empowerment.

2. Africa as a Rich Continent, not a Poor One

The global image of Africa as a poor continent is not only misleading—it is false. Africa is one of the richest continents in terms of natural wealth:

• Energy: Africa holds vast reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as enormous potential in renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
• Minerals: From gold, diamonds, and copper to cobalt, lithium, silver, and rare earth elements, Africa possesses the very materials that power modern technology and the global economy.
• Agriculture: Africa has some of the most fertile lands on Earth and enough water resources to become a global breadbasket, feeding not only itself but much of the world.

The real challenge lies not in the absence of wealth but in its management. Africa’s problem is not poverty but underutilization. If African nations learn to properly commercialize and manage their resources, they can independently finance every project they dream of—without dependency on foreign aid.

3. A New Model – Trade, Not Aid

The outdated model of “aid” must be abandoned. In today’s political and economic structure, no major power will continue pouring endless donations into Africa. Instead, the way forward is through trade agreements and strategic partnerships.

• Direct Trade Agreements: African countries must enter structured trade agreements with the United States and Middle Eastern nations under the Abraham Accords framework.
• Resource Securitization: Oil, gas, and minerals must be monetized through securitization mechanisms—turning them into financial assets that can fund infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects.
• Self-Financed Development: By leveraging their resources, African states can finance their own projects instead of waiting for outside investors. This creates credibility, attracts foreign capital, and shifts the narrative from “donor-recipient” to “equal partner.”

4. Strategic Project Areas for Development

Africa’s wealth must be transformed into real, visible improvements in people’s lives. The key is focusing on strategic national projects that build long-term resilience and prosperity:

• Agriculture & Food Security: With Israeli and American agri-tech, Africa can create modern farming systems, greenhouses, and vertical farms. This would not only ensure food security but also turn Africa into a major food exporter.
• Healthcare & Medicine: Building advanced hospitals, expanding access to digital health systems, and investing in large-scale vaccination campaigns will strengthen Africa’s health resilience.
• Education & Knowledge: Africa must build technology universities, expand online education platforms, and foster entrepreneurship from an early age. Education is the cornerstone of sustainable growth.
• Infrastructure & Water Systems: New roads, ports, railways, desalination plants, and dams will connect Africa internally and externally, supporting trade and regional integration.
• Green Energy Transition: Africa can lead the global shift to renewables by developing large-scale solar and wind farms while using its oil and gas revenues to fund the transition.

5. Attracting Long-Term Investment

Once Africa positions itself as a capable partner, global investors will come willingly. The world’s largest companies and funds are eager to invest in Africa, but they require stability, transparency, and profitability. Investors want:

• A clear legal framework.
• Long-term contracts that guarantee supply and returns.
• Evidence that Africa can self-finance and share risk.

Instead of appealing for “charity,” Africa must present structured investment packages. Imagine offering American and European investors access to cobalt and lithium mines under secure contracts, while tying revenues to new hospitals, schools, and smart cities. This model will not only attract capital but also ensure that the benefits of investment are shared with African citizens.

The Abraham Accords are not just a peace initiative for the Middle East—they are a gateway for Africa to join the global economy as an equal partner. But for this to happen, Africa must change its mindset. It must stop begging for aid and start monetizing its immense resources. It must present itself not as a burden but as a powerhouse.

Once Africa embraces this vision, it will no longer be seen as a continent in need of rescue, but as a strategic, wealthy partner—central to the future of global trade, energy, and innovation. This is the real opportunity the Abraham Accords provide, and Africa must seize it.

Samuel Shay is an Entrepreneur and Economic Advisor for the Abraham Accords