In Africa, Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra was understood to mean that his administration would adopt a posture based on protectionism and isolationism. If this proves to be the case, it is unlikely to impact Africa’s engineering and construction industry, say analysts. American disengagement will only increase China’s involvement in the continent’s infrastructure development in the medium and long term, they add.
“There is a likelihood we will see more protectionism on the part the U.S.,” which will lead “to less flow of investments into most regions, including Africa,” said Graham D. Robinson of Global Construction Perspectives, a London-based global construction and engineering industry analyst.