Source: BI Africa
US President Donald Trump has reignited discussions on Africa’s economic potential, praising the continent during an investment forum just years after reportedly calling some African nations “shithole countries.”
Speaking at an event organised by the FII Institute, which hosts the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Trump said Africa held significant untapped value if countries worked more closely together.
“Africa has tremendous value on its land and if they can unify and get together, I think it’s got tremendous potential. I have a lot of very smart friends putting everything into Africa,” he said, responding to a question about his vision for the continent.
The comments stand in stark contrast to 2018, when Trump reportedly referred to some African nations as “shithole countries” during a White House meeting. The remark, leaked to the media and reported by outlets including The Washington Post and The New York Times, drew widespread condemnation.
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The African Union labelled it offensive, while several governments demanded clarification. Trump later denied using those exact words, though multiple attendees said he did.
Observers say his latest remarks reflect growing recognition of Africa’s strategic and economic importance amid a global scramble for resources.
The United States has been pursuing African mineral resources such as copper, lithium, and cobalt, targeting countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Namibia, and Guinea to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
China continues to expand across the continent, investing in mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and consumer markets. European energy firms—including TotalEnergies, Shell, BP, Eni, and Equinor—are advancing major oil and gas projects in Mozambique, Libya, Nigeria, and Angola.
Gulf states are also increasing their presence in Africa’s food systems, logistics, and aviation. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has invested heavily in agribusiness, while DP World and AD Ports Group control key ports in Tanzania, Egypt, and Angola.
Qatar Airways acquired a majority stake in Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport, and Emirates and Etihad continue to strengthen trade and aviation links.
Trump’s remarks, although not made in a formal public speech but leaked afterward, underline the continent’s growing economic and geopolitical significance and the intensified competition among global powers for influence and resources.
