Tinubu Left Out as Trump Hosts Select African Leaders at White House Economic Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been excluded from a high-level economic summit at the White House, where former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the leaders of Senegal, Mauritania, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon on July 9, 2025.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the meeting will focus on enhancing economic cooperation between the United States and a select group of African nations, with a working lunch hosted by Trump at the White House.

Trump’s “America First” Agenda Returns to Africa

A White House source disclosed that the luncheon is part of Trump’s renewed foreign policy strategy which prioritizes trade and investment over traditional aid. The former president reportedly emphasized that:

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

Also Read: BREAKING: Senators Binani, Halliru Jika Dump APC, Join ADC in Major Political Realignment

This shift aligns with Trump’s longstanding “America First” policy, aimed at reducing aid commitments while deepening economic ties with nations seen as strategically or commercially valuable.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the summit is expected to produce new investment pledges and bilateral trade frameworks, especially in energy, mining, and technology sectors.

Tinubu on Diplomatic Tour, Misses White House Invite

While the summit garners international attention, President Bola Tinubu remains absent from the guest list. The Nigerian leader is currently on a two-nation diplomatic tour that began with a state visit to Saint Lucia on June 28, where he:

• Met with the Governor-General and Prime Minister
• Addressed the joint Parliament
• Participated in a working luncheon with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

TJ News Nigeria reports that President Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7 for the 17th BRICS Summit, where Nigeria is participating as a “partner country.”

Analysts Note Shift in U.S.–Africa Engagement

Diplomatic analysts say Trump’s selection of participating nations suggests a recalibration of U.S. strategic interest in Africa, favoring smaller, reform-oriented economies or nations open to new bilateral deals.

The exclusion of Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation—raises questions about the future of U.S.–Nigeria relations, particularly if Trump returns to power in the upcoming U.S. elections.

While the Biden administration maintained broad-based diplomatic engagement, Trump’s model appears more selective, centered on countries with less bureaucratic resistance and greater commercial openness.

Nigeria Pursues BRICS and South-South Diplomacy

President Tinubu’s presence at the BRICS Summit underscores Nigeria’s interest in diversifying its foreign policy and economic alliances. The country is currently exploring new multilateral trade agreements and development financing options outside traditional Western frameworks.

With Nigeria’s participation as a partner country, Tinubu will meet with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with other BRICS-aligned nations seeking alternatives to Western-dominated institutions.