African leaders gathered in Luanda, Angola, for the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit on Wednesday, June 25, with a unified message for Washington, Africa wants investment, not aid.
During the summit, which drew over 2,000 participants from across the continent and the diaspora, the leaders pressed the United States to rethink its economic engagement with Africa by dismantling outdated aid models and focusing on long-term investment partnerships.
In his keynote address, Angolan President João Lourenço called for a shift in U.S. policy. “It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of ambition and private investment,” he said.
“Africa should be seen as a credible partner, rich in potential, in need of capital and expertise, and eager to collaborate for shared prosperity.”
President Lourenço made it clear that Africa is no longer simply seeking help, it is looking for partners to invest in its future.
The African Development Bank Group’s President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, echoed this call, urging a review of what he described as “high tariffs” imposed on African exports.
“What is needed is more trade between Africa and the U.S., not less,” Adesina said.
John Olajide, Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, stressed the importance of regional integration and collaboration between public and private sectors.
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He said Africa holds immense promise, especially with its vast reserves of critical minerals needed for green technologies.
However, Olajide also highlighted internal roadblocks to progress, particularly the continent’s fragmented visa regimes.
“We cannot continue to speak of economic integration while we lack easy access to one another,” he said. “Until we ease visa restrictions within Africa, the goals of the AfCFTA will remain out of reach.”
He noted the irony that some African participants had difficulty entering Angola, while their American counterparts faced no such challenges.
Representing the U.S. government, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said the Trump administration is committed to shifting its approach toward Africa by investing in technology and infrastructure, particularly in stable nations.
“President Donald Trump is committed to Africa, particularly to countries free of crisis,” Boulos stated. “Lasting peace is the foundation for sustainable investment and infrastructure development.”
He added that “a peaceful African environment will unlock new opportunities for U.S. investment in the region.”
As the summit drew to a close, one message stood out clearly: African leaders are no longer satisfied with handouts.
They want respect, trade, and investment that reflect Africa’s growing economic importance in the world.