Trump Hosts 5 African Presidents in Push for Trade Over Aid

US President Donald Trump met with five African heads of state at the White House on Tuesday, underscoring a dramatic shift in American policy on the continent that prioritises trade and investment over development aid.

The visiting leaders included President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.

The meeting, described by White House officials as a “working lunch,” focused on expanding bilateral trade, energy investment, and regional security partnerships.
It marks one of the most high-profile African delegations received by the Trump administration and signals a new US engagement strategy based on economic self-reliance.

“Our goal is to replace dependence with opportunity,” Trump told the leaders, adding that Africa is “full of vibrant places with enormous investment potential.”

Gabon’s President Nguema called for US support in developing local processing industries for the country’s vast mineral resources.
Senegal’s Faye invited US businesses to invest in tourism, agribusiness, and infrastructure, noting his country’s proximity to the US market.

The meeting comes amid deep cuts to US foreign aid, including the dismantling of the USAID mission in several countries.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that the changes could result in widespread hardship, particularly in West Africa, where public health and education programs depend heavily on US support.

Despite those concerns, the leaders emphasised their interest in building new forms of cooperation.

Mauritania’s Ghazouani urged the US to support anti-terror efforts in the Sahel, while Liberia’s Boakai highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to rebuild key infrastructure.

Analysts view the summit as part of Washington’s wider effort to counter China’s economic influence across the continent.

Trump’s aides said the US is not seeking to replicate Beijing’s state-led model, but rather to unlock private-sector driven growth.

While no new deals were announced, the leaders agreed to form joint working groups to explore energy, infrastructure, and trade opportunities.

The White House said follow-up meetings will take place later this year, with a focus on finalising investment framework.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org