US President Donald Trump is hosting the presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon at the White House for a lunch meeting, with commerce and trade expected to be key agenda items.
The meeting aims to explore “commercial opportunities” that could benefit both the American people and the African partners, according to a White House official.
“President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners,” the official said,stressing the potential for mutually beneficial trade and investment.
The presidents of the five West African nations, all located along Africa’s Atlantic Coast, will convene at Trump’s invitation to discuss trade, investment, and security, among other topics.
While details about the meeting remain scarce, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump would “host leaders of five African nations for lunch” in the State Dining Room without elaborating further.
It’s worth noting that four of the countries represented – Gabon, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal – are among 36 nations the US is considering adding to a travel ban. Despite this, the meeting reflects Trump’s growing interest in Africa’s strategic and economic relevance, particularly in trade and critical minerals.