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A realignment of global trade can unlock a new era of African self-determination.

As African leaders gather in Angola for the US-Africa Summit, we welcome every opportunity to strengthen cooperation and drive investment. But we also come with a clear-eyed view of the world: one in which Africa must take increasing ownership of its own development.

The global landscape is changing. The United States is reassessing its global role, refocusing aid and taking steps to strengthen its own trade position. These shifts have implications for Africa, but they also offer clarity. We have an opportunity for the continent to chart its own course with greater confidence.

In the past, such shifts might have prompted handwringing across African capitals. But under President Samia’s leadership, Tanzania is responding differently. Rather than lament what has been lost, we are focused on building what comes next.

When the United States redirected over $100 million of USAID funding to Tanzania (most of it for health and education), we recognised the need to act swiftly and decisively. The Tanzanian government has absorbed the funding gap into its own budget to ensure continuity of services. In doing so, we are not replacing our partners but reinforcing the progress we’ve made together.

Beyond funding, one of USAID’s greatest contributions has been in human capital. America has helped cultivate a generation of skilled professionals across vital sectors. President Samia has instructed to integrate many of these individuals – both Tanzanian and international – into our national institutions and affiliated agencies. This ensures their expertise remains embedded in our systems, strengthening our long-term resilience.

President Trump’s tariff proposals are part of a broader global realignment that may, in fact, create new openings for Africa. As companies look to diversify supply chains and build resilience, African manufacturing is emerging as an attractive alternative. We are already seeing signs of investment being redirected toward the continent. African nations will go from aid recipients to investment hubs.

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This is an opportunity we must seize. But to do so, we need more than just capital and infrastructure. We need policy certainty, regional integration, and a skilled, empowered workforce.

That is why Tanzania remains committed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With a unified market of 1.4 billion people, the AfCFTA is Africa’s best tool for building resilience, scaling local industries, and unlocking our full economic potential. It allows us to depend more on each other and less on decisions made thousands of miles away.

Today, only around 15% of Africa’s trade is intra-African. We export raw materials to distant markets and import finished goods we could make ourselves. That must change. President Samia’s radical infrastructure plan investing in ports, bridges, railways, and energy is laying the foundation for industrial growth that is regional by design and global in ambition.

Beyond infrastructure, Tanzania is investing in strategic sectors like industrialisation and agriculture – two powerful engines of inclusive, long-term growth. These sectors are central to our economic transformation agenda, creating jobs, adding value to raw materials, and ensuring that prosperity reaches every part of society.

We are also committed to reforming and digitising our customs processes, harmonising standards with our neighbours, and eliminating non-tariff barriers. These practical steps are turning AfCFTA from a vision into a working reality.

At this week’s Summit, many voices will call for partnership. Tanzania warmly welcomes this. We believe in a model of partnership that is collaborative, forward-looking, and grounded in mutual investment. Africa’s future will not be delivered from abroad. But with the right partners, it can be accelerated and amplified.

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We are not turning away from the world. We are turning toward ourselves with confidence, clarity, and commitment.

It is time for Africa to own its future. And that future begins now.

By Professor Kitila Mkumbo, Minister, President’s Office Planning and Investment