President Donald Trump has kicked off a three-day summit in Washington, D.C., inviting the leaders of five African countries. The event is being promoted by the White House as a significant commercial opportunity. The guests include the heads of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—all countries with smaller economies and populations compared to other African nations.
The primary agenda of the summit will revolve around Trump’s “trade over aid” strategy. With the countries facing 10% tariffs on exports to the U.S., they are expected to engage in discussions aimed at reducing these tariffs. During a televised luncheon at the White House, the African leaders praised Trump for his leadership and voiced their interest in strengthening economic ties with the U.S.