On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, President Trump met with five African leaders at the White House and hosted a lunch meeting.
According to White House officials, Trump received leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal, and engaged in discussions with them during a luncheon. The focus of the talks was on business opportunities.
In his remarks, Trump welcomed the visiting leaders and mentioned the decision to close the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He stated that this decision was made to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.
“It’s a serious waste, fraud, and abuse,” the President said, emphasizing that the measures being taken by the United States will lead to more sustainable outcomes for Africa.
“We are tirelessly working to create new economic opportunities involving the United States and many African countries. In many ways, Africa’s tremendous economic potential is unparalleled. In the long run, this will be more effective and sustainable.”
Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, commended Trump saying, “I also want to praise your commitment to global peace and your remarkable diplomatic success in the Democratic Republic of the Congo … Thank you very much for ending the 30-year war.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement mediated by the United States on June 27 in Washington, aiming to resolve years of border conflicts. Trump described it as a “major breakthrough” at the time, symbolizing Washington’s deep engagement in African security and mineral strategies.
According to Reuters, African experts are awaiting Trump to announce a date for a broader summit with African leaders, possibly during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
This week’s small summit is the latest effort by successive U.S. governments to dispel the perception that the U.S. is neglecting the African continent. China’s economic influence in Africa is increasingly growing.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced earlier this week that it will provide project development funding for the Banio Potash Mine in Mayumba, Gabon to help reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
Conor Coleman, DFC’s Director of Investments, stated, “DFC’s efforts not only benefit the countries and communities where we invest but also promote U.S. economic interests by expanding new markets, strengthening trade relationships, and fostering a safer, more prosperous global economy.”