The White House has hosted leaders from five West African nations to advance economic cooperation and development partnerships as part of a broader push to strengthen U.S. engagement with Africa.
President Donald Trump welcomed the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal for a working lunch and discussions in Washington, focusing on opportunities in trade, infrastructure, and investment.
Trump described the visiting nations as “vibrant countries with valuable resources, great potential, and wonderful people,” assuring them that they would not face new U.S. tariffs as the administration pursues deeper economic ties with the continent.
Key topics included expanding trade channels, promoting democratic governance, and enhancing cooperation in energy and mining sectors. Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema highlighted the need for investment to process the country’s raw materials domestically, emphasizing that African nations seek “win-win partnerships” to develop their resources with international support.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye pointed to tourism as a major area for potential growth, inviting Trump to visit Senegal to witness the country’s opportunities firsthand.
U.S. officials noted that the meeting is part of ongoing efforts to position the United States as a reliable partner for African nations seeking to diversify their economic ties and infrastructure development, while supporting stability and growth in the region.
The White House indicated that further engagement with African leaders is planned, with a potential U.S.-Africa summit under consideration for later this year to reinforce trade and diplomatic partnerships across the continent.
With input from Al Jazeera
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