-Pres. Boakai Pushes Liberia’s Case At US-Africa Summit
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has encouraged the U.S. Government to invest in trade with Liberia. President Boakai made the call at the U.S.-Africa Special Summit opening at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, emphasizing that Liberia is a peaceful country with great potential for investment and a strong willingness to work with the U.S. in maintaining global peace and security.
“We have a lot of minerals, and we are committed to encouraging investment in Liberia. We are committed to working with you on maintaining global peace and security,” President Boakai stated.
For his part, United States President Donald Trump, host of the summit, asserted that the U.S. Government is shifting from an aid-driven partnership to economic development and trade that benefits both the U.S. and its partners. “My administration is committed to strengthening our friendship in Africa through economic development and trade that benefits both the U.S. and our partners. We are shifting from aid to trade,” President Trump stated. He emphasized trade as a key tool to resolving disputes and ensuring economic sustainability across Africa.
President Trump further encouraged African leaders to prioritize investments in defense and security. “I encourage countries here today to invest in security—hopefully, of course, buying our equipment. We make the best military equipment,” he said.
The summit, running from July 9 to 11, focuses heavily on trade and investment, with President Trump advocating for “commercial diplomacy” over traditional foreign aid. In attendance were President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea‑Bissau, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.
During the closed-door meetings and a formal White House luncheon, Trump unveiled U.S.-backed initiatives such as support for a major potash mining project in Gabon. However, his administration’s move to cut billions in aid, dismantle USAID, and impose new tariffs and visa restrictions sparked unease among African leaders. While the U.S. touted more than $2.5 billion in deals recently signed in Luanda, some leaders questioned whether market access alone could offset the withdrawal of life-saving assistance.
