₦airaland Forum

Trump Highlights Africa’s Economic Potential as Global Investment Race Intensifies — The Business Bureau

By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Business Bureau

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Business Bureau reports that renewed remarks by United States President Donald Trump on Africa’s economic potential have drawn attention to the continent’s growing strategic importance in global investment and resource competition.

Speaking at an investment forum organised by the FII Institute, Trump described Africa as a region with significant untapped value, particularly if countries strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration.

“Africa has tremendous value on its land and if they can unify and get together, I think it’s got tremendous potential,” Trump said during the session.

Africa Emerges as Strategic Investment Frontier

Analysts say the comments reflect a broader shift in global economic strategy, with Africa increasingly positioned at the centre of supply chains, resource security, and infrastructure investment.

Major global powers are intensifying their engagement across the continent, targeting critical sectors such as mining, energy, logistics, and agriculture.

United States Targets Critical Minerals Supply Chains

The United States is expanding efforts to secure access to critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, and copper, which are essential for energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Key African markets attracting U.S. interest include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and Guinea, where resource endowments are critical to global supply diversification strategies.

Policy tools include commercial diplomacy, development financing, and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing reliance on existing supply chains dominated by competing global powers.

China Deepens Economic Footprint

China continues to maintain a strong presence across Africa through large-scale investments in infrastructure, mining, and industrial development.

Chinese companies have secured stakes in critical mineral assets, including rare earths in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as gold operations in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Beyond extractive industries, China’s expansion extends into real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture, reinforcing its long-term economic positioning on the continent.

European Energy Firms Expand Operations

European oil and gas companies are also increasing capital deployment in Africa’s energy sector.

Firms such as TotalEnergies, Eni, Shell, BP, and Equinor are advancing major projects across Mozambique, Libya, Nigeria, and Angola.

These investments are driven by the need to diversify energy sources and strengthen supply resilience amid evolving global energy dynamics.

Gulf States Scale Investments in Logistics and Agriculture

Gulf economies are expanding their footprint across Africa, particularly in logistics infrastructure and food security systems.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has increased investments in agribusiness, while logistics giants such as DP World and AD Ports Group have secured strategic positions in ports across Tanzania, Egypt, and Angola.

Other Gulf-backed firms are investing in agricultural production and industrial infrastructure, positioning Africa as a key partner in long-term food and trade strategies.

In the aviation sector, Qatar Airways has taken a majority stake in Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport, while Emirates and Etihad Airways continue to strengthen connectivity with major African markets.

Market Sentiment Reflects Strategic Debate

Reactions to Trump’s remarks have been mixed, reflecting broader debate over Africa’s positioning in the global economy.

While some observers view the comments as recognition of the continent’s rising economic relevance, others highlight the importance of translating investor interest into sustainable growth outcomes.

Analysts note that increasing global competition for African resources and markets presents both opportunities and risks, depending on how governments structure partnerships and manage economic policy.

Outlook: From Resource Base to Economic Powerhouse

Africa’s long-term economic trajectory will depend on its ability to leverage rising global interest into industrial development, value addition, and regional integration.

With abundant natural resources, a growing population, and expanding digital economies, the continent is increasingly viewed as one of the last major frontiers for global growth.

However, unlocking this potential will require coordinated policy frameworks, infrastructure investment, and stronger intra-African trade systems to ensure that value creation remains within the continent.

Source: The Business Bureau

Western countries want to come to Africa to cart away almost free resources for their factories . It's only in Africa you get these resources at almost free price

“Africa has tremendous value on its land and if they can unify and get together, I think it’s got tremendous potential,” Trump said during the session.

They want to bobo us again

Namibia bluntly rejected $1bn health aids by USA because of their ridiculous condition.

They want to have access to some natural resources in Namibia and also have access to the health records of their citizens.

USA gifts have always been a Greek gift

African leaders time to stand up and man up for once in your life

It's too late, what can US offer African at this point. China has already taken over Africa.

Let him start with South Africa first, I want to check something out with him and his sponsor, Elon.


https://www.tiktok.com/video/7620520471871687969

Iran is beginning to reset his brain. Venezuela must be regretting not putting up a good fight

Do they still believe that Africans do not deserve reparations for slavery?

koladata:
It's too late, what can US offer African at this point. China has already taken over Africa.

Infact all African State must do away with this evil called USA and Europe

After colonisation has gone they refused to move on but wants to keep stealing our resources under the guise of LOAN

Is it their fault? If not for the useless African leaders complicit in slavery, colonialism and now suspicious loans we should be much more developed by now.

African my home
African our beloved home
We are the center of civilization at a time how do we now fall to this stage

Hussein035:
Infact all African State must do away with this evil called USA and Europe

After colonisation has gone they refused to move on but wants to keep stealing our resources under the guise of LOAN

Is it their fault? If not for the useless African leaders complicit in slavery, colonialism and now suspicious loans we should be much more developed by now

They simply need African soldiers to fight their ground war in Iran!

I think the snub he got from the EU and the rest of the world on Iran war has reset his brain.

NOETHNICITY:
Iran is beginning to reset his brain. Venezuela must be regretting not putting up a good fight

Iran has been sponsoring terrorists for decades,hence, they have the experience and know how. Venezuela is not any different from Nigeria. Trump can kindnap our president and no single soul will put up a fight

Africa must be independent. We dont need the west, we can be self sufficient. If IRAN WITH 47 YEARS OF SANCTION CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT THE WEST, WHY SHOULD AFRICA NEED THE WEST. ANY NEGOTIATION THAT DOESN'T PUT AFRICAN FIRST IS A NO. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE SAME MISTAKES OUR FORE FATHER DID.

A fooI calls it insult but a wise person calls it the truth

They need our resources and we need their iPhones. We need eachother be that

After losing middle east they now want to focus on Africa.. same Africa with 1000 visa bans

TO President TRUMP:
Are you playing Sir,for remembering Africa 🌍 - you de Play ni?
-For you that don't believe in anything Black In America,your Charity ought to Start from Home Front!
- President Trump - how many Blacks or Mixed Race,etc, are in your Cabinet today,if you can answer?
•You and JD Vance - believes in -White Supremacy Agenda - you Falsely Sold to MAGA and you Must live with it!
• FOR AMERICA IS ALREADY GREAT AND But -YOU SHOULD MAKE AMERICA - THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH 🌍 ,to live with Every One!
Where is your Fight For DEMOCRACY AND Democratic Ideals
-of Human Rights,
- Freedom of Speech, Assembly,Press and Justice To All that Past Govt-s Cherished, Defend and Fought For ?
-Why Are You Creating Internal Strive in America 50 States and is that how to be Great - For Americans Are Not At War Against Themselves but their Politicians are doing this as a Diversionary Tactics!
- So,Why Suddenly Turning to Africa 🌍 Continent Now , when you destroy DEI Program For -Diversity ,Equity, etc -Meant to Foster American Dreams And America Greatness Involving Every One On American Soil- But you Dismantled it under Spurious Circumstances.
Just FACTS AND TRUTH!
God Bless America and
God Bless Nigeria!

The US knows nothing like building schools, bridges or hospitals, Africa is looking for a partner who knows how to build these things for mutual benefit.

Not a partner that invents unnecessary wars and always act as a savior of what he created.

Ogbeni Trump abeg go and pack your load and go away joor.
Causing unnecessary brouhaha and making rash decisions.

This is the opportunity to reshape the image of Africa. But of course you can't reshape what has refused to shape up. Especially my dear country Nigeria where context matters according to Bwala. God when

belikewater:
Is it their fault? If not for the useless African leaders complicit in slavery, colonialism and now suspicious loans we should be much more developed by now.

Exactly, if not for those ediots and unpatriotic greedy lot rulling us, external power will not have dominions over us.

They are all the same. Any country that gives you anything definitely has an interest. Even your favorite country - France

helinues:
They want to bobo us again

Namibia bluntly rejected $1bn health aids by USA because of their ridiculous condition.

They want to have access to some natural resources in Namibia and also have access to the health records of their citizens.

USA gifts have always been a Greek gift

If not for our gullible leader. Trump should face his problem. Africa are gradually solving there problem.

NOETHNICITY:
Iran is beginning to reset his brain. Venezuela must be regretting not putting up a good fight

Venezuela can't! Do you think it is just any country that can put up with that kind of fight. Iran has been anticipating it for decades.

NOETHNICITY:
Iran is beginning to reset his brain. Venezuela must be regretting not putting up a good fight

Shut up please . Which Iran is resetting his brain? Iran that is at the point of total collapse?
We all know the truth.

Stop this nonsense Iran terrorist comment where its not necessary.

koladata:
It's too late, what can US offer African at this point. China has already taken over Africa.

China is worse. None of these guys have us at heart.

Hussein035:
Infact all African State must do away with this evil called USA and Europe

After colonisation has gone they refused to move on but wants to keep stealing our resources under the guise of LOAN

You're not serious .

Who run to them for the loan that you wrote in capital letter ? Tinubu