US President Donald Trump will host leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at a three-day summit in Washington, emphasizing his "trade, not aid" policy. The White House views the meeting as a significant commercial opportunity, focusing on critical minerals, maritime security, migration, and countering Islamist insurgencies.
None of the invited nations—led by Gabon's Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Guinea-Bissau's Umaro Cissoko Embaló, Liberia's Joseph Boakai, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, and Senegal's Bassirou Diomaye Faye—represent Africa's largest economies. However, they face 10% US tariffs on exports, and negotiations to lower these rates are expected. Discussions may also cover hosting US military bases, particularly in Gabon, strategically located along the Gulf of Guinea, a piracy hotspot.
The summit's agenda reflects Trump's shift from aid to trade, with doubts surrounding the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which offers duty-free access for certain African goods. Former Senegalese ambassador Babacar Diagne noted this "paradigm shift," comparing it to Trump's deal-making with Ukraine, prioritizing mineral access and mutual benefits.
Gabon, rich in manganese, oil, and uranium, is a key target due to competition from China and Russia. Migration is another focus, with Mauritania and Senegal serving as major departure points for migrants heading to the US via Nicaragua. Liberia, heavily impacted by US aid cuts, may consider accepting US deportees, while Guinea-Bissau seeks to reopen the US embassy closed since 1998.
The summit follows a tense May meeting with South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, which led to 30% tariffs on South African exports. The invited leaders aim to secure favorable deals to avoid similar outcomes.
Note For Readers:
The CEO handles all legal and staff issues. Claiming human help before the first hearing isn't part of our rules.
Our system uses humans and AI, including freelance journalists, editors, and reporters.
The CEO can confirm if your issue involves a person or AI.
by 
