Discussions centered on unlocking investment in key sectors such as rare earth minerals, mineral processing, infrastructure and energy, with Gabon’s president specifically calling for U.S. support in monetizing the country’s natural resource wealth – particularly manganese, uranium and oil. Gabon supplies 22% of China’s manganese demand – a critical input for steel production and increasingly for emerging battery technologies. The appeal reflects a broader effort by African nations to diversify economic partnerships and attract U.S. capital into high-value segments of global supply chains.

This renewed interest in African trade and resource development comes at a pivotal time, as American investors, financiers, and energy leaders gather for the U.S.–Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) taking place in Houston next month. The forum will spotlight opportunities across the continent’s oil, gas, critical minerals and clean energy sectors – key areas of alignment with the priorities voiced during last week’s talks.

The upcoming USAEF will bring together American energy majors and service providers, African NOCs and institutional investors to explore bankable opportunities in upstream oil and gas, LNG infrastructure, power generation and mineral beneficiation. Sessions will spotlight scalable projects across the continent, from modular gas processing and pipeline development to mineral refining and grid expansion. Amid growing interest in closing supply chain gaps for critical minerals like cobalt, graphite and rare earths, the forum aims to catalyze joint ventures that bolster U.S. energy security while advancing African industrialization – particularly as nations seek to shift from raw exports to in-continent value addition.

Ultimately, Trump’s meeting reflects an emerging economic roadmap grounded in energy security, industrial growth and long-term partnership. As USAEF 2025 prepares to kick off in Houston, it sets the stage for converting high-level discussions into tangible deals that drive progress on both sides of the Atlantic.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.