U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon to the White House today, kicking off a three-day summit aimed at deepening “commercial opportunities” between the U.S. and these West African nations.
The meeting, which runs from July 9 to July 11, marks Trump’s first multilateral U.S.-Africa summit of his second term, with trade, investment, and regional security topping the agenda.
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The leaders—Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Liberia’s Joseph Boakai, Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema—joined Trump for a working lunch in the State Dining Room.
Closed-door economic meetings are scheduled through Friday, focusing on private sector investment and access to critical resources like Gabon’s manganese and uranium.
A White House official emphasized Trump’s belief that “African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners.”
The summit comes as the Trump administration moves from traditional foreign aid—following the recent dissolution of USAID—to economic partnerships.
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Liberia’s President Boakai expressed optimism, stating the summit reflects Liberia’s commitment to “regional stability, democratic governance, and inclusive economic growth.”
Gabonese officials highlighted industrial development as a priority, while concerns over migration and drug trafficking in Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau are also expected to feature in discussions.
The choice of invitees has raised eyebrows, with regional heavyweights Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana notably absent.