Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-born business magnate and his son-in-law’s father, as Senior Advisor for African Affairs, signaling a potentially significant shift in American engagement with the continent.
The Department of State confirmed the appointment on Thursday, with his appointment, Boulos has begun a diplomatic tour of the continent. He has visited Democratic Republic of the Congo and soon to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. The move comes as Trump seeks to reassert influence in global affairs including Africa and the Middle East.
Read also: Trump tariffs rollout signal end to Africa-U.S. trade pact
Born in Lebanon, sharpened in Nigeria
Born in Lebanon to a prominent Greek Orthodox family from the northern town of Kafaraka, a place known for its olive oil. Though he briefly ventured into politics in Lebanon himself, Boulos maintains that he is not aligned with any political party. Nevertheless, he is widely seen as having strong connections to the country’s Christian elite.
After completing his studies in Texas, Boulos built his fortune in Africa, where he cultivated a vast network of business and political relationships.
Read also: Nigerian importers want reversal of Trump’s tariffs on China
The 54-year-old entrepreneur built his fortune primarily through the SCOA Group—a Nigerian based automotive and industrial conglomerate where he served as CEO. His decades-long career in business, primarily centered in Nigeria, has made him a well-connected figure in both economic and political circles across the country.
Boulos’s recent political ascent owes in part to his family ties—his son, Michael Boulos, is married to Tiffany Trump. Since the 2020 presidential campaign, Boulos emerged as an informal but trusted advisor to Donald Trump, particularly in outreach to Arab-American communities and Middle Eastern leaders. He played a behind-the-scenes role in galvanizing support for Trump in battleground states like Michigan, home to a large Arab-American population.
As Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Boulos is now tasked with navigating some of the most pressing issues on the continent—including the ongoing crisis in the Congo.
Having embarked on his diplomatic tour, Boulos is expected to focus on trade, security cooperation, and private sector investment. But questions remain about how he will navigate complex issues concerning U.S. competition with rival powers on the continent.
Read also: Nigeria Eurobonds tumble as Trump tariffs trigger turmoil
First diplomatic tour to Congo
Boulos visited the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday for talks over minerals deal with the US
“You have heard about a minerals agreement. We have reviewed the Congo’s proposal. I am happy to announce that the president and I have agreed on a path forward for its development,” US senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, said after meeting Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa.
“Rest assured, American companies are operating transparently and will stimulate local economies,” he said.
Personal life
He is married to Sarah Fadoul Boulos, the founder of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). Together they have four children, his son Michael is married to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, his other son Fares also known as Oyibo rebel is a popular content creator in Nigeria.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
