President Donald J. Trump will host five African heads of state at the White House on Tuesday, July 9, for high-level discussions centered on expanding commercial partnerships between the United States and Africa, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday.
The gathering, scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, will include a private discussion and working lunch between President Trump and the following African heads of state:
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of Gabon
Général Umaro El Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau
Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of Liberia
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania
“President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners,” the White House official said, underscoring the administration’s shift toward economic diplomacy.
The Trump administration slashed significant portions of U.S. foreign assistance to Africa, describing much of the aid as ineffective and inconsistent with his “America First” policy agenda. His officials often emphasized a shift toward self-reliant partnerships, prioritizing mutual economic benefit over traditional donor-recipient dynamics.
The upcoming summit is expected to spotlight sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resource development. It also marks a rare moment of multilateral engagement with Africa during Trump’s current term, as the president seeks to redefine U.S.–Africa relations based on what officials describe as mutual prosperity.
The July 9 luncheon marks a rare but notable diplomatic outreach from Trump to African leaders, signaling his intent to shape U.S.–Africa relations through private sector growth, especially as he seeks a return to the presidency in the upcoming election.
While critics have warned that deep aid cuts could undermine stability and health programs in the region, Trump and his allies argue that sustainable growth in Africa depends on economic independence and free-market collaboration.
More details about the expected outcomes of the meeting remain unclear, but sources suggest bilateral talks may accompany the group luncheon, and announcements related to new commercial deals or investment frameworks could follow.
