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Trump Hosts West African Leaders to Deepen Trade and Security Partnerships

In Washington, leaders agreed to pursue private-sector mineral ventures, enhance counterterrorism collaboration, reduce U.S. trade deficits under Trump’s aid-to-trade pivot.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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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 White House summit served as the first major test of Trump’s decision to dissolve USAID and replace traditional aid with commerce-driven diplomacy.
  • Participants pledged to examine private sector proposals for investment in underexploited minerals such as manganese, uranium and other critical resources.
  • Attendees committed to stepped-up cooperation on counterterrorism, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and disruption of drug-trafficking routes.
  • U.S. officials and African counterparts set a mutual objective of narrowing bilateral trade imbalances by expanding market access and joint commercial projects.
  • Leaders including those from Gabon, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal voiced optimism about the outcomes even as they remain under review for possible travel-ban restrictions.