U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host leaders from five African nations in Washington next week to explore emerging commercial opportunities between the United States and Africa. According to a White House official, the meeting will take place on July 9 and will include leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.
The official described the event as a high-level discussion and working lunch aimed at fostering trade, investment, and economic cooperation. “President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners,” the official noted.
The summit, which will run from July 9–11, was first reported by Africa Intelligence and Semafor. It marks a continued shift in the Trump administration’s foreign policy stance, moving away from traditional aid-based partnerships toward a more commerce-driven approach.
In recent years, the Trump administration significantly cut U.S. foreign aid to several African countries, citing the need to reduce what it deemed “wasteful” spending. This policy is part of the broader “America First” agenda that prioritizes direct returns for U.S. taxpayers and strategic national interests over humanitarian considerations.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration’s pivot in foreign policy, stating that the U.S. is moving away from a “charity-based foreign aid model.” He added, “We will favor those nations that demonstrate both the ability and willingness to help themselves.”
This upcoming summit is expected to focus on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and digital transformation, with discussions potentially paving the way for new public-private partnerships and U.S. corporate investments in Africa.
While critics argue that the reduction in aid could negatively impact development and stability in vulnerable regions, proponents of the policy shift believe it will encourage self-sufficiency and stimulate private sector growth across Africa.
The visit underscores a growing recognition of Africa’s strategic importance and economic potential, particularly as global powers such as China and Russia continue to expand their influence on the continent. Trump’s engagement signals a willingness to reframe U.S.-Africa relations around mutual economic benefit rather than dependency.
