United States President Donald Trump has sidelined Nigeria as he hosts leaders from five African nations in Washington next week for talks centered on boosting commercial ties, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday.

Presidents from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal will join Trump at the White House on July 9 for a roundtable discussion and lunch as part of a broader summit that will run through July 11.

“President Trump believes that African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities that benefit both the American people and our African partners,” the official said, underscoring the administration’s push to shift from aid to trade.

The summit, first reported by Africa Intelligence and Semafor, reflects a growing emphasis on economic partnerships rather than traditional foreign assistance.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has significantly reduced U.S. foreign aid to African countries, aligning with its “America First” agenda. Officials argue that the previous aid-driven approach was unsustainable and poorly aligned with U.S. interests.

“Our focus is on trade and investment that deliver mutual prosperity,” the White House said.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this stance, saying Washington was “moving away from a charity-based model” and would prioritize support for nations that demonstrate both “the ability and willingness to help themselves.”

In line with this shift, senior U.S. diplomat for African Affairs, Troy Fitrel, said in May that American ambassadors in Africa will now be evaluated based on the volume of commercial deals they facilitate.

As Washington redefines its engagement with Africa, the upcoming summit is expected to spotlight trade, infrastructure, and investment opportunities, signaling a new chapter in U.S.-Africa relations under Trump’s leadership.