This is a strategic bid to deepen economic ties and reassert American influence in the region. The presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal are attending the mini summit, which is aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and exploring expanded security cooperation.

The White House says the discussions will prioritise private sector investment as a driver of mutual prosperity, with Trump reportedly keen to pivot away from traditional foreign aid towards business-led growth. This shift includes the controversial shuttering of USAID, the agency responsible for numerous development projects across Africa.

According to the Washington-based Brookings Institution, the summit forms part of the US administration's efforts to link diplomacy with trade and re-establish a strategic presence in a region where American influence has waned in the face of growing Chinese and Russian engagement.

A senior US official was quoted as saying, “Trump believes African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which can benefit both the American people and their African partners.”

--Sherwin Bryce-Pease/ChannelAfrica--