Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jul 10: In a significant shift in American foreign policy toward Africa, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday told visiting leaders from five African nations that his administration was steering its approach on the continent from aid-based engagement to trade-driven partnerships, emphasizing the U.S. as a more reliable ally than China.
The White House gathering — attended by leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — was part of a broader initiative to highlight business opportunities in Africa and lure American investments to the resource-rich continent.
"We're shifting from aid to trade," Trump said, opening the meeting. "There’s great economic potential in Africa — like few other places. In the long run, this approach will be far more sustainable and beneficial for both sides."
Despite past criticisms for cutting U.S. aid programs and dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Trump expressed a desire to strengthen friendships across Africa, even suggesting he may visit the continent in the future — a trip he never made during his first term.
African leaders responded with praise, commending Trump for his global peace efforts and even expressing support for his Nobel Peace Prize candidacy. Liberian President Joseph Boakai notably backed Trump's “Make America Great Again” agenda and encouraged U.S. businesses to invest in Liberia.
Trump, who seemed flattered by the praise, drew mild amusement when he asked Boakai — whose country has English as its official language — where he learned to speak it. The Liberian leader responded that he learned it in Liberia itself.
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema also urged U.S. engagement, saying, “We are not poor countries. We are rich in raw materials, but we need partners like the United States to help us develop these resources. If you don’t come, others will.”
The visit marks Washington’s continued efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in Africa, where Beijing has invested heavily, especially in infrastructure and resource extraction. Trump insisted, "We treat Africa far better than China or anybody else."
However, Trump’s approach has not been without controversy. Critics recall his past inflammatory remarks, including a 2018 incident where he allegedly referred to some African nations in derogatory terms. He also clashed with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last year over unfounded claims of land seizures and genocide.
Nonetheless, Wednesday's event remained cordial, with Trump basking in compliments and quipping, “I could do this all day long.”
While Trump floated the idea of a broader summit with African leaders later this year — potentially around the UN General Assembly in September — no formal dates have been announced yet.
Meanwhile, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced funding for project development at Gabon’s Banio Potash Mine, aiming to reduce Gabon’s reliance on imports and boost economic ties.
Conor Coleman, DFC’s head of investments, stated, “Our efforts benefit local communities while opening new markets and strengthening U.S. economic interests globally.”
Still, Trump's tariff hikes and visa restrictions have drawn skepticism from African Union officials, who argue that such policies hinder deeper trade ties. Some question how genuine U.S. intentions are if they continue to be accompanied by protectionist moves.
Adding to concerns, a recent study published in The Lancet warned that Trump’s aid cuts — if sustained — could lead to over 14 million additional deaths in Africa by 2030, particularly due to reductions in health and food support programs.
Despite the optimism in the room, analysts remain divided over whether Trump’s “America First” policy can truly co-exist with mutually beneficial partnerships in Africa — especially amid growing global competition for the continent’s strategic resources.