Trump, West African Leaders Discuss Trade and Development

U.S. President Donald Trump has met with the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at the White House as global trade tensions intensify—raising concerns about potential impacts on developing economies with strong commercial ties to the U.S.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, included a working lunch and bilateral discussions. A White House official noted that the focus of the talks was on expanding business and investment opportunities between the United States and the five African nations.

During the engagement, Trump reportedly assured the leaders that their countries were unlikely to be subject to new U.S. tariffs, despite broader moves in the ongoing trade dispute.

At a working lunch with five West African heads of state, U.S. President Donald Trump described their nations as “vibrant” and rich in natural resources, including valuable land, minerals, and oil, while also noting the strength and resilience of their people.

Trump addressed broader regional issues, claiming that his administration had helped ease tensions in Africa. He referenced a recent peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, signed at the White House, as a step toward regional stability.

During the lunch, an exchange between Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai drew attention. After Boakai voiced appreciation for U.S.-Liberia relations and expressed support for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, the U.S. president complimented his English proficiency—despite English being Liberia’s official language.

“Such good English,” Trump remarked. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

When Boakai responded, “In Liberia,” Trump replied with apparent surprise: “That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The moment prompted light chuckles around the table but also raised eyebrows, given the context.

Founded by Freed Slaves, Liberia Shares Deep U.S. Ties; Trade Talks Dominate White House Discussions

Liberia, a nation with historic roots tracing back to freed African American slaves in the 19th century, maintains English as its official language, though a number of Indigenous languages are also widely spoken across the country.

During the White House meeting, the focus shifted to trade and investment, with leaders highlighting economic opportunities in their respective countries.

Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema told President Trump that Gabon is eager to attract foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector, which is essential for enabling local processing of the country’s abundant mineral resources.

At the White House meeting, Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema emphasized that while African nations are often labeled as poor, they are in fact resource-rich, particularly in raw materials.

“We are not poor nations. We possess significant natural wealth,” Nguema said. “What we need are genuine partners who can help us unlock that potential through mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye echoed the call for investment and highlighted tourism as a key opportunity in his country. He specifically mentioned plans for a golf resort, noting its convenient six-hour flight time from New York.

In a light moment, Faye jokingly invited Trump to visit Senegal and test his golfing skills on the proposed course.

U.S. Development Agency Backs Gabon Potash Project as Trade, Migration, and Aid Policy Dominate Dialogue

Earlier in the day, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its support for the development of the Banio Potash Mine in Mayumba, Gabon. The funding is aimed at helping Gabon lessen its reliance on imported fertilizers by tapping into its domestic mineral wealth.

“DFC’s investments not only support local economies, but also serve U.S. strategic interests by opening up new markets, reinforcing trade partnerships, and contributing to global economic security,” said Conor Coleman, the corporation’s head of investments.

While the five West African countries represented at the Trump meeting make up a small share of overall U.S.-Africa trade, they are seen as resource-rich nations with significant untapped economic potential.

Beyond trade, the U.S. also views Senegal and Mauritania as key players in addressing migration routes and border control. These nations, along with Guinea-Bissau, are also contending with drug trafficking challenges, which remain on the radar of the Trump administration.

Despite ongoing talks, some African Union officials have raised doubts about the sincerity of the U.S. in strengthening ties with Africa, pointing to what they describe as punitive tariffs and restrictive visa policies that disproportionately affect African travelers and goods.

In response to such criticism, U.S. Ambassador to Africa, Troy Fitrell, pushed back, denying claims that Washington’s trade policies are discriminatory or one-sided.

Meanwhile, major changes in U.S. foreign aid strategy have also sparked concern. The Biden administration recently shut down USAID, stating a shift away from a “charity-based model” in favor of development partnerships with countries deemed both capable and committed to internal growth.

But health experts warn the consequences could be dire. According to a recent report in The Lancet, such cuts to global aid could contribute to over 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.