"A White House official explained last week that 'President Trump believes African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities that benefit both the American people and our African partners,'" says DW's Washington correspondent, Ines Pohl.

"In a recent update, Trump highlighted the vast commercial potential of African nations, suggesting stronger economic ties could be mutually beneficial. However, his administration hascut back on US foreign aid to Africa, viewing it as wasteful and incompatible with his 'America First' agenda. Instead, the focus is shifting toward trade and investment, particularly in West Africa's critical minerals sector and regional security."

Trump's approach to Africa appears to have evolved since his first term. During a White House meeting on January 10, 2018, he famously referred to Haiti and several African countries as "shithole countries."

"We recall those harsh words, but things have changed," says Prof. Suleymane Bachir Diagne of Senegal, who teaches and researches at Columbia University in New York City. "Africa is now on the radar of the Trump administration. The continent is recognized as a place........

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