President Bola Tinubu has been notably excluded from a select group of African leaders invited to the White House for high-level talks focused on trade and commercial opportunities.
The meeting, scheduled for July 9, will feature heads of state from Senegal, Mauritania, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Gabon, and aims to deepen economic cooperation between the United States and select African nations.
A White House official confirmed the event, stating:
“President Biden believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners.”
The gathering is expected to include a working lunch and discussions around infrastructure, technology, clean energy, and private-sector partnerships.
Why Tinubu Was Left Out?
While no official reason was given for the exclusion of Nigeria—the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation—analysts suggest the U.S. may be focusing on smaller democracies and stable reform-minded states in its current African engagement strategy. Some also point to recent domestic challenges and human rights concerns under Tinubu’s administration that may have impacted diplomatic priorities.
Context: U.S.-Africa Economic Engagement
Despite a history of aid cuts under previous administrations, the Biden White House has ramped up efforts to engage with Africa through trade, investment, and green infrastructure deals. The administration launched a $55 billion commitment to the continent at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022.
Still, Nigeria’s absence from this upcoming trade-focused session may signal a cooling relationship or a strategic pivot to smaller partners perceived as easier to influence or more aligned with U.S. values.
