Trump targets African mineral riches in bid to boost US trade foothold

President Trump hosted five West African leaders in Washington to deepen trade ties and secure access to critical minerals. The summit marks a shift in US Africa strategy, emphasising economic partnerships over aid to compete with China and Russia's growing regional influence. read more US President Donald Trump, flanked by US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos (L) and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller (2R), participates in a multilateral lunch with visiting African Leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025. Image- AFP In what is being called…