Geopolitical chessboard: how Trump is reshaping us-Cameroon ties
Since assuming office, Donald Trump has systematically reshaped American foreign policy to challenge China’s expanding influence, particularly in critical resource sectors. Cameroon has emerged as a focal point in this strategic realignment, with Washington leveraging both economic incentives and security partnerships to strengthen its position in Central Africa.
GreenMet’s role in Trump’s African resource strategy
At the heart of this initiative is GreenMet, a company led by Drew Horn, a former senior national security advisor to Trump. Horn, who previously served as principal advisor to the Director of National Intelligence, represents a broader American program involving former Trump administration officials and trusted allies. Among them are Georges Sorial, former Trump legal advisor, and Keith Schiller, ex-director of security for the Trump Organization.
GreenMet’s recent activities in Cameroon have centered on securing critical mineral rights, particularly for nickel and cobalt at the Nkamouna project. Through its affiliate American Renaissance Minerals (ARM), GreenMet has positioned itself as a leading investor in these strategic resources. While the details of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during high-level U.S. delegations remain undisclosed, insiders confirm that Washington is actively pursuing access to Cameroon’s rare earth deposits as part of its broader push to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.
The Trump administration has gone to great lengths to bypass congressional restrictions that previously excluded Cameroon from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Instead, U.S. officials are collaborating directly with the American Chamber of Commerce in Cameroon (AmCham) to facilitate trade agreements and investment flows.
Transparency and security: the price of U.S. support
Unlike China, which has established deep mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to secure critical minerals, the United States is prioritizing transparency and legal compliance in its partnership with Cameroon. Washington’s engagement is conditional on reforms in the extractive industries, particularly following revelations by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ITIE) regarding illicit gold trafficking networks operating in the country.
American intelligence agencies have reportedly intervened to dismantle these networks, working closely with Cameroonian authorities to identify and prosecute key actors involved in resource plundering. This crackdown aligns with U.S. efforts to promote responsible governance in sectors vital to global supply chains.
Diplomatic and military engagement intensifies
Beyond economic interests, the U.S. has significantly upgraded its diplomatic and military presence in Cameroon. In a span of just eight months, Cameroonian President Paul Biya hosted two high-ranking U.S. military officials: General Dagvin Anderson, then-commander of AFRICOM, in September 2025, and Lieutenant-General John William Brennan Jr., AFRICOM’s deputy commander, in May 2026.
Washington has also tightened visa policies for African nations, reducing the number of countries eligible for U.S. visas from 50 to 20. Cameroon remains on the approved list, reflecting its strategic importance in U.S. regional planning.
The Biden-Trump administration’s push for improved business conditions in Cameroon was underscored by a statement from U.S. Ambassador Christopher Lamora following a meeting with President Biya:
« I would sincerely like to see more American businesses investing in Cameroon, fostering trade relationships, and forming partnerships—including joint ventures between U.S. and Cameroonian firms. This benefits both nations: it creates jobs in the U.S., supports American industry—which is a priority for President Trump—and stimulates Cameroon’s economy. »
Analysts suggest that Trump’s strategy aims to transform Cameroon into a model of economic development in Africa, akin to the « Asian Tigers » of the late 20th century. With China having invested over $700 billion across 49 African countries, the U.S. is determined to counter Beijing’s dominance through targeted investments and governance reforms.
Strategic minerals and the future of U.S.-Cameroon relations
The focus on Cameroon’s mineral wealth—particularly rare earth elements and critical transition metals—highlights a broader geopolitical struggle. By securing access to these resources, the U.S. seeks to reduce its reliance on China while promoting sustainable development in Central Africa. The coming years will reveal whether this strategy can deliver on its ambitious goals.
