President Donald Trump hosted a high-level summit with leaders from five West African nations this week, intensifying a new era of U.S. engagement in Africa. With China’s growing dominance across the continent, the White House positioned the event as a pivot from aid-based diplomacy to resource-driven partnerships. Presidents from Liberia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau were welcomed at the White House for closed-door talks followed by a ceremonial lunch. The summit focused on mineral investment, trade opportunities, and energy security—marking a clear shift in how the U.S. engages with Africa. From Aid to Advantage: A New U.S. Strategy Unlike past administrations that emphasized humanitarian aid and security cooperation, Trump’s approach is purely transactional. “We’re not just giving money away anymore....