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Trump Advances Aid-to-Trade Pivot With West African Summit at White House

The administration signaled possible tariff exemptions after leaders outlined plans for critical mineral investments, tying trade to security cooperation.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Image
Excavators to be exported to Africa are seen waiting to be loaded on a cargo ship at a port in Yantai, in eastern China's Shandong province, on March 7, 2025.
A view of a train loaded with iron ore at the ArcelorMittal iron ore mine in Mount Nimba, Liberia, June 11, 2021.

Overview

  • The three-day summit began July 9 with a White House luncheon where officials outlined the pivot from USAID-driven assistance to market-based partnerships.
  • The administration signaled possible tariff exemptions for the five invited nations as part of its push to reduce U.S. trade deficits with Africa.
  • The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation committed funding for a Gabonese potash mine, the first major investment under the new commerce-first strategy.
  • Leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal detailed projects in critical minerals and infrastructure expected to drive mutual economic growth.
  • Additional discussions planned this week will help set the agenda for a larger U.S.–Africa leaders meeting scheduled for September at the U.N. General Assembly.