<h1>US shifts Africa policy from aid to trade while imposing steep tariffs threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs</h1> A US administration meeting with five African leaders highlighted a policy shift from aid to trade, despite regional concerns over tariffs and aid cuts. The administration eliminated billions in foreign aid, including shuttering the development agency that provided over $12 billion in humanitarian assistance. Officials announced a 'commercial diplomacy' strategy, with ambassadors evaluated on business deals rather than aid projects. While touting $6 billion in agreements and $2.5 billion in commitments, the approach faces criticism due to steep tariffs causing significant economic damage. South African vehicle exports dropped 80% under 30% tariffs, with over 100,000 jobs at risk. Smaller nations like Lesotho face 50% duties threatening 12,000 textile jobs. The African Growth and Opportunity Act expires in September without clear renewal prospects, while China leverages zero-tariff policies to expand influence across 53 African nations, creating strategic tensions.