Donald Trump to host five African presidents for trade talks, but Nigeria not invited

The Trump administration has invited five African leaders—from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—to a high-stakes trade summit at the White House on July 9, 2025.

The meeting underscores a strategic shift in U.S.-Africa relations, prioritizing commercial partnerships over traditional aid.

A White House official emphasized that President Trump sees “incredible commercial opportunities” in Africa, aligning with his “America First” policy, which has slashed foreign aid in favor of trade-driven diplomacy.

Notably absent from the guest list is Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, raising questions about the selection criteria, especially given Nigeria’s significant trade ties with the U.S. .

The summit reflects a broader recalibration of U.S. engagement with Africa, where success will now be measured by trade deals rather than development aid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has framed this as a move away from “charity-based” assistance, favoring nations that demonstrate “the ability and willingness to help themselves” .

While the invited countries—particularly Liberia, with its historical U.S. ties, and Senegal, a stable economic hub—are poised to discuss critical minerals, infrastructure, and security, Nigeria’s exclusion hints at potential geopolitical calculations or dissatisfaction with its economic policies .

Analysts suggest the outcomes could set the tone for a larger U.S.-Africa summit planned for September. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>