Donald Trump, President of the United States has hosted leaders from five African nations at the White House, seeking to reassure allies and promote investment opportunities even as his administration intensifies a trade war that could hit developing economies reliant on commerce with the US.
On Wednesday, Trump welcomed the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal for closed-door talks and a working lunch. According to the White House, the discussions focused on business prospects, economic cooperation, security and infrastructure development.
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“They come from very vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, great oil deposits and wonderful people,” Trump told reporters during the lunch. “There’s a lot of anger on your continent. We’ve been able to solve a lot of it,” he added, pointing to a recent peace agreement signed by the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda at the White House.
While the five countries represent a small fraction of US-Africa trade, they hold significant untapped natural resources. Leaders used the meeting to pitch investment-ready sectors—from energy to tourism—arguing that local processing of raw materials and infrastructure expansion are crucial to lifting millions out of poverty.
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Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s President stressed that his country wants to shift from simply exporting raw minerals to refining and processing them locally. “We are not poor countries. We are rich countries when it comes to raw materials. But we need partners to support us and help us develop those resources with win-win partnerships,” Nguema said.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s President promoted investment in tourism, even suggesting his country’s coastlines are ideal for golf courses that could attract foreign visitors. Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai expressed strong support for Trump’s signature slogan, “Make America Great Again”, and urged US companies to explore new opportunities in Liberia.
Trump responded warmly, praising Boakai’s English skills and quipping, “Where did you learn it?” Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, speaks English as its official language—Boakai noted he learned it at home.
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For the Trump administration, the mini-summit is the latest attempt to counter a growing narrative that Washington has overlooked Africa while China deepens its economic influence across the continent. According to administration officials, a larger US-Africa summit could take place in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Yet Trump’s outreach comes amid policies that some African Union officials warn may strain ties rather than strengthen them. Earlier this month, US authorities announced the dissolution of the US Agency for International Development, vowing to end what they called “a charity-based foreign aid model” in favour of partnerships with nations that demonstrate “both the ability and willingness to help themselves.”
Meanwhile, proposed new tariffs and tighter visa restrictions have fuelled concern among African diplomats, who question whether the White House’s actions match its rhetoric on “mutually beneficial” cooperation.
Migration and drug trafficking were also on the agenda. Senegal and Mauritania are key transit and origin points for African migrants crossing into Europe, while Guinea-Bissau continues to grapple with drug smuggling—both issues that US officials say remain top security concerns.
As Trump looks ahead to the broader summit, African leaders are hoping promises made at the White House will translate into tangible investments that reach local communities. But many in Africa’s policy circles remain cautious.
