Massad Boulos: Africa is important to Trump, US envoy tells BBC

Donald Trump "highly values Africa and African people", says his African envoy, Massad Boulos.

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Trump announced the aid freeze on his first day in office in January in line with his "America First" foreign policy, while Trump's recent tariffs have raised fears of the end of a trade deal between the US and Africa meant to boost economic growth.

But Mr Boulos told BBC's Newsday that Africa was "very important" to Trump and downplayed reports that the US was planning to close some of its missions in the continent.

"He highly values Africa and African people," Mr Boulos added.

The aid cuts have affected health programmes across Africa, including shipments of critical medical supplies, including HIV drugs.