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Massad Boulos, father-in-law to Tiffany Trump and newly appointed senior adviser for Africa at the U.S. State Department, has embarked on a high-profile tour of Kenya and the Great Lakes region. The trip, which began on April 3, 2025, underscores the United States’ growing interest in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) vast mineral resources and its strategic importance in global energy and technology transitions.
Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman with extensive experience in West Africa, is accompanied by Corina Sanders, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. The delegation’s itinerary includes stops in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, where they are set to meet with heads of state and business leaders. According to the State Department, the mission aims to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region and advance efforts for durable peace in eastern DRC, a region plagued by conflict and instability.
The DRC, home to some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt, lithium, and other critical minerals, has become a focal point for global powers seeking to secure resources essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced technologies. The U.S. has shown increasing interest in forging partnerships with Kinshasa, particularly as China continues to dominate the DRC’s mining sector. Last month, the State Department expressed openness to exploring mineral-for-security agreements with the DRC, signaling a shift toward more transactional relationships in U.S.-Africa policy.
Observers note that Boulos’ appointment reflects the Trump administration’s focus on leveraging personal connections and business acumen to advance its geopolitical objectives. Boulos, who previously played a key role in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, is seen as a strategic choice for navigating the complex dynamics of the Great Lakes region. His background in Nigeria’s business sector and his ties to the Arab-American community have positioned him as a bridge between diverse stakeholders.
The delegation’s visit comes at a critical time for the DRC, where the government is grappling with an ongoing insurgency by the M23 rebel group. Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the rebels have seized swathes of territory in eastern DRC, prompting international condemnation and U.S. sanctions against key figures linked to the conflict. The instability has further complicated efforts to attract foreign investment and develop the region’s mineral wealth.
Boulos’ mission has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue that increased U.S. engagement could help stabilize the region and create economic opportunities, while critics question whether the focus on minerals aligns with the broader needs of local communities. Human rights organizations have urged the delegation to prioritize issues such as governance, transparency, and environmental sustainability in their discussions with regional leaders.
The trip also highlights the broader geopolitical competition for Africa’s resources. As China continues to expand its influence across the continent, the U.S. is seeking to strengthen its foothold through targeted investments and strategic partnerships. The Great Lakes region, with its untapped potential and strategic location, has emerged as a key battleground in this global rivalry.
As Boulos and his team navigate the complexities of the region, the focus remains on balancing economic interests with the need for peace and stability. The outcomes of the trip could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Africa relations and the future of the DRC’s mineral sector.