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U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the presidents of five West African nations to the White House for a mini summit aimed at strengthening economic and security ties. The leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal were present for the high-level engagement.
The discussions focused on expanding private sector investments, building strategic partnerships, and boosting defence cooperation. Trump emphasized that this meeting was part of a broader strategy to promote peace and economic development across Africa, while also countering growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.
Highlighting recent diplomatic gains, Trump mentioned a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, describing Africa as a continent with enormous economic promise.
“There is great potential in Africa,” Trump said. “We’re committed to working together to create long-lasting partnerships that bring prosperity to both the U.S. and African countries. We’ve encouraged these nations to invest more in defence, preferably with American military equipment, which remains the best in the world.”
African Leaders Push for ‘Win-Win’ Partnerships
During the meeting, the African presidents voiced optimism about future cooperation with the U.S., stressing the value of equal and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Mauritania’s president underscored the strategic importance of his country, noting its location on the Atlantic Coast as a vital link between North America and Sub-Saharan Africa. He also pointed to the nation’s rich natural resources as a foundation for investment.
President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon echoed these sentiments, saying: “Our countries are not poor. We are rich in raw materials and rare earths. What we need are genuine partners who can support us in developing these resources.”
Senegal Calls for Peace to Attract Investment
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye highlighted the importance of regional stability, arguing that sustainable business investment in Africa depended on peace across conflict zones such as Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel.
He reassured American investors of Senegal’s political stability and favorable business environment. Faye also spotlighted key development projects, including a collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey to assess mineral potential and the discovery of oil and gas reserves with help from American companies.
Trump on Visiting Africa, AGOA and G20
Asked whether he would visit Africa, Trump responded positively: “We’ll look at the schedule, but I’d like to go very much.”
However, he did not confirm whether he would attend the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa this November.
Regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), set to expire in September, Trump said his administration would “take a look at that.” Despite the statement, his 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S. raises questions about his commitment to expanding trade under AGOA.
Trump’s trade representative, Jamieson Greer, clarified that it would be up to Congress to initiate action on AGOA and address tariff and non-tariff trade barriers affecting U.S.-Africa relations.
