Trump Hosts Five African Leaders for Investment, Trade Talks

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of five African countries at the White House on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, local time.

The meeting was attended by President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.

Reportedly, the discussion focused on economic cooperation, security, and investment opportunities.

According to a report from Anadolu, the meeting took place in a working lunch format.

Trump stated, "My administration is committed to strengthening our friendships in Africa through economic development efforts that benefit both the United States and our partners." He mentioned that the African continent holds significant economic potential, and economic cooperation is far more effective and sustainable.

US Urges 5 African Countries to Accept Deportations

This meeting took place amid global trade tensions that could impact developing countries reliant on exports to the United States. The U.S. government is also urging the African countries to accept deported individuals from the U.S.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. State Department sent formal letters to each country urging them to accept their citizens back. This underscores the link between foreign policy and the aggressive deportation campaign carried out by the Trump administration.

Investment Potential and Natural Resources

During the meeting, each African leader promoted their country's economic potential. President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania highlighted his country as the second largest producer of iron ore in Africa, and mentioned reserves of manganese, uranium, and lithium potential.

"We have a lot of opportunities to offer in terms of investment," he said.

President Joseph Boakai of Liberia invited the U.S. to invest in the mining sector of his country. "We want to encourage American involvement in the investment in Liberia," he said, while suggesting that surveys be conducted to further understand the potential of minerals.

President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon emphasized the importance of processing raw materials domestically to create employment and prevent youth migration.

"We are not poor countries. We are rich countries when it comes to raw materials, but we need partners to support us," he said. He also urged the U.S. to take a more serious approach to security in the Gulf of Guinea.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal invited U.S. investors to participate in a 40-hectare digital city project in Dakar. He also mentioned the potential for tourism, including a golf course that he said was only a six-hour flight from New York. Faye also invited the US Geological Survey (USGS) to assess the mineral potential in his country.

Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, Trump claimed that many issues in Africa have been resolved, referring to the recent peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Tariffs and Larger Summit Plans

Trump stated that some African countries impose high tariffs on US products, but the five countries present have indicated that they will lower these tariffs. However, when asked if these countries will be subject to US tariffs, he responded that he had not considered it.

Several African Union officials had previously criticized the U.S.'s tariff policies and visa restrictions on African citizens. They questioned the commitment of the U.S. in boosting economic cooperation.

Furthermore, Trump also referred to this meeting as a prelude to a larger summit with African leaders, planned to be held in September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly.

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