Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host five African presidents in Washington, D.C., for what the White House describes as high-level discussions on trade and commercial partnerships.
The meeting, scheduled to begin on July 9, is part of a three-day event that aims to reshape U.S.-Africa relations around business rather than aid.
But to the surprise of many, Nigeria’s President Tinubu is not among the five invited leaders.
Who Made the List?
According to a U.S. government official, the invited countries are:
- Gabon
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mauritania
- Senegal
All five are West or Central African nations, but Nigeria, the continent’s biggest economynis noticeably missing.
No official reason has been given for the selection, or for why Nigeria was left out. The White House simply described the gathering as a chance to explore “commercial opportunities” and deepen business ties between the U.S. and African countries.
Is this a new approach to Africa
This event signals a clear shift in U.S. foreign policy. Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is stepping away from charity-based support and focusing more on investment and business.
Trump’s team believes that African nations can be valuable trade partners not just aid recipients. “This is about partnerships, not handouts,” said one official familiar with the event.
Earlier in June, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that America would now prioritize African countries that show they are “willing and able to help themselves.”
And according to Troy Fitrel, who oversees African affairs, U.S. diplomats will now be judged based on the business deals they help secure in Africa.
Why not Tinubu?
With Nigeria’s size, population, and economic influence, many assumed Tinubu would be on the list. But for now, it seems Washington is focusing on smaller countries with stable political relationships or untapped trade potential.
It’s unclear whether Tinubu will respond to the snub or if further invitations might be extended in the future.
But the absence of Nigeria from this high-level meeting is raising eyebrows both at home and abroad.