President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025 is poised to trigger significant reforms, shifts in global policy, impacting development, health, and security, particularly in regions like Africa and countries such as Nigeria. Known for his "America First and make America Great Again" MAGA approach, Trump's foreign policy before now historically centered around reducing U.S. foreign aid, prioritizing immediate American internal interests, massive migrant deportation, closing the borders- building walls and adopting a magaic mindset toward international relationships and development. As Trump’s inauguration to power draws near, many Americans and citizens of the world have valid concerns about how his leadership could further reshape global development dynamics, creating both challenges and opportunities, especially for innovative movements like Disrupt Development.

Just a retrospect of previous administration, under Trump's previous administration, U.S. foreign aid programs faced considerable budget cuts, impacting initiatives that were crucial for many developing countries. Programs such as PEPFAR, which have played a pivotal role in addressing HIV/AIDS across Africa, were at risk of reduced funding. The unpredictability of U.S. aid during this period forced many nations to reconsider their reliance on American support. A similar approach in a second term of Trump could drive African countries like Nigeria to explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as private sector investments and partnerships with emerging donors like China, the European Union and engagement of post- growth economy organization such as Disrupt Development International.  Here, Disrupt Development as a movement could play a critical role in transforming this challenge into an opportunity by advocating for a shift from traditional aid dependency to innovative, homegrown solutions that prioritize local capacity and sustainability.

Within the global health, Trump's skepticism towards multilateral institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) was evident during his first term, highlighted by the U.S. withdrawal of funding amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While such actions could undermine proactive international responses to health crises, it sends a smart signal that such institutions should also put their house in order to avoid the level of global opprobrium and future disengagement. For African countries, where the healthcare system relies heavily on international cooperation for controlling outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and malaria, this could lead to significant disruptions. Disrupt Development's approach to challenging the status quo becomes crucial here. By promoting local innovation, community-driven health initiatives, and enhanced regional cooperation, the movement can help fill the gaps left by diminished U.S. engagement. It can foster resilience by supporting initiatives that empower local healthcare providers and leverage technology for better health outcomes, reducing dependence on external aid.

Security and counterterrorism efforts are another area where Trump's return could have significant implications. His preference for aggressive military strategies and warnings over long-term engagement with diplomatic effort has often focused on immediate, forceful interventions. In regions like the Sahel and Northeast Nigeria, where extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP are active, a Trump second term administration might prioritize military support over development and peacebuilding initiatives. This could potentially exacerbate existing conflicts by neglecting the socio-economic factors that fuel extremism, such as poverty and lack of education. Disrupt Development's focus on addressing root causes rather than symptoms is pivotal in this context. By advocating for holistic solutions that integrate development, education, and community empowerment, the movement can disrupt the traditional security-first approach and promote long-term peace and stability through socio-economic resilience.

Economically, a Trump presidency is likely to continue pushing for U.S. advantages in global trade, with an emphasis on reshaping relations to benefit American interests. His previous trade policies, including the trade war with China, sent shockwaves through global markets, affecting many economies, including those in Africa. Given China's significant presence and investment in Africa, renewed U.S.-China tensions could indirectly affect African economies, forcing countries like Nigeria to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. Disrupt Development's innovative framework could offer a way forward by helping African nations capitalize on this shifting dynamic. Through fostering new, diversified trade relationships, supporting local entrepreneurship, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Disrupt Development can help countries like Nigeria break away from dependency on traditional economic powers, building a more self-reliant and robust economic foundation with long term sustainability.

In practical terms, Disrupt Development as a movement stands out by championing innovative, grassroots approaches that challenge conventional development paradigms. Instead of relying on top-down aid and interventions, Disrupt Development focuses on empowering local actors, fostering inclusive partnerships, and promoting sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs of communities. It seeks to transform traditional narratives of development and aid by advocating for strategies that are responsive, adaptive, and driven by those who are directly affected.

For the world and Africa in particular, Trump's return will certainly be another time of test, plan and co-creation that could accelerate a much-needed pivot towards self-sufficiency, think -tank innovation, and local leadership in tackling issues of health, security, and economic development. Disrupt Development is positioned to play a vital role in this shift, acting as a catalyst for change by disrupting outdated models and fostering new frameworks that prioritize resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable progress. As the world braces for potential reforms, changes under a Trump administration, the norms, principles and practices promoted by Disrupt Development could serve as a blueprint for how developing countries navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex global environment and foreseeable changing times. 

Obi Onyeigwe is a Devoted African, Disrupt Practitioner and currently a Co-Lead at Disruptive Den, a circle of Disrupt Development.