Trump hosted leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at the White House for talks and a working lunch, with discussions expected to centre on business opportunities, according to a White House official. for a multilateral working lunch focused on strengthening trade, investment, and security cooperation between the United States and the African continent.

The high-level meeting included heads of state and senior officials from key African nations, signaling Washington’s renewed interest in deepening its strategic engagement in the region.

In his opening remarks, President Trump praised Africa’s rising economic influence and stressed the importance of shared goals in development, security, and counter-terrorism.

“Africa is full of promise, opportunity, and strong partners,” Trump said. “The United States is committed to supporting growth, investment, and peace across the continent.”

Focus on Trade, Investment, and Regional Stability

The talks covered a range of pressing issues, including market access for African exports, U.S. private sector involvement in infrastructure projects, and joint strategies to combat extremist groups in the Sahel and Horn of Africa.

Senior White House officials described the meeting as a “constructive step” toward recalibrating U.S.-Africa relations, particularly in light of growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.

Strategic Shift in U.S. Africa Policy

The working lunch is part of a broader diplomatic effort by the Trump administration to counter rising geopolitical competition in Africa and boost U.S. commercial and security partnerships.

It follows recent U.S. announcements on new funding for African counter-terrorism programs and proposals to expand the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).