Washington, DC, US - US President Donald Trump is set to host leaders from five African countries next week in Washington, D.C.

This move, Legit.ng gathered, is tagged towards having discussions centred on trade and business partnerships.

As reported by BBC Pidgin, the White House official on Wednesday, July 3, said the meeting will take place on July 9 and will involve leaders from:

The visit will include lunch and discussions aimed at exploring “commercial opportunities” between the United States and the African continent.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, a White House official said,

“President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners.”

This approach reflects a shift in US policy under Trump, who previously reduced foreign aid to Africa in favour of trade-focused engagement, as reported by Reuters.

The administration has often stated that it wants to replace charity-based support with investment-led partnerships.

Media outlets Africa Intelligence and Semafor reported that the gathering will span from July 9 to 11.

While the White House confirmed the lunch meeting on July 9, it is expected that side events and further talks may continue during the three-day summit.

Despite earlier speculation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not among the African leaders invited to the event.

The White House did not provide reasons for the selection of participating countries, but it appears to focus on West and Central African nations.

On Tuesday, June 2, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is moving away from traditional aid models, saying the US will now prioritise countries that show both “the ability and willingness to help themselves.”

Troy Fitrel, a senior official in charge of African Affairs, added in May that American diplomats in Africa will now be assessed based on the commercial deals they help facilitate, marking a significant shift in US Africa relations.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Securing South Africa's trade ties with the United States will be a key aim of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who Monday began a Washington visit that will feature a meeting with Donald Trump, Ramaphosa's office said.

Ramaphosa arrived late Monday, accompanied by four cabinet ministers on the high-stakes visit. He is expected to meet Trump at the White House on Wednesday.

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Source: Legit.ng