As his presidency nears its conclusion, U.S. President Joe Biden is making a landmark visit to Africa, with Angola chosen as the focal point of his final international engagements. This significant trip underscores Biden’s commitment to deepening U.S.-Africa relations and addressing strategic interests on the continent.
Biden’s visit to Angola, scheduled for next week, comes after a previously planned trip in October was postponed due to Hurricane Milton’s imminent impact on Florida. Angola’s selection as the host nation was deliberate, reflecting years of diplomatic overtures by Angolan President João Lourenço to secure international recognition and foster stronger partnerships with global powers.
“This trip is the result of years of diplomatic efforts from Angola’s president,” noted Angolan political analyst Claudio Silva. “It’s a significant win for President Lourenço, marking a moment to capitalize on his efforts to elevate Angola’s international profile.”
Biden’s arrival in Luanda on Monday signals the start of a busy schedule, with military, political, and economic agreements set to be signed. These agreements are expected to bolster ties between the United States and Angola, while addressing key regional and global priorities.
Among the highlights of the visit is the advancement of major infrastructure and energy projects involving U.S. interests, including:
- The Lobito Corridor: A transformative project aimed at developing a rail and road network linking Angola’s Atlantic port city of Lobito with Zambia’s Copperbelt and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) cobalt mines.
- Soyo Oil Refinery: A U.S.-backed project to construct and manage an oil refinery in northern Angola, further solidifying energy ties.
The Lobito Corridor, in particular, holds immense strategic importance. The initiative, which is part of the U.S. Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), seeks to connect resource-rich Central Africa to global markets. It is viewed as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has heavily invested in African infrastructure over the past two decades.
The Lobito Corridor: A Game-Changer for Africa
The Lobito Corridor leverages the 1,344-kilometer Benguela Railway, which transects Angola from west to east, connecting to existing rail networks in the DRC. Decimated during Angola’s 27-year civil war, the railway has since been rehabilitated, with plans to extend its reach into Zambia.
Key components of the corridor include:
- Construction of 550 kilometers of railway in Zambia.
- Development of 260 kilometers of roads connecting the region.
- A $1.6 billion investment, supported by the U.S., the European Union, and the African Development Bank, which is contributing $500 million.
The corridor’s success could redefine trade dynamics in southern and central Africa, providing an alternative route for the export of Angolan oil, Zambian copper, and Congolese cobalt.
Competing with China
The U.S. faces stiff competition from China, which has long been a dominant player in the region. Since the 1970s, China has invested heavily in African infrastructure and raw materials, with Angola, Zambia, and the DRC among its key beneficiaries.
China’s influence is reflected in Angola’s debt portfolio, with the nation owing Beijing approximately $25 billion, more than any other African country. Much of this debt is repaid through oil shipments, further entrenching China’s economic presence in the region.
Silva observed, “The Americans don’t want to relinquish the region’s valuable resources to the Chinese. But whether they can match China’s decades-long investments and established advantages remains an open question.”
Strengthening U.S.-Africa Relations
Biden’s visit underscores a renewed U.S. focus on Africa, as Washington seeks to counterbalance China’s dominance and position itself as a key partner in the continent’s development. The trip also highlights Angola’s growing importance as a gateway to Central Africa’s vast resources and a hub for regional integration.
President Lourenço’s efforts to attract international investment and foster partnerships are beginning to bear fruit, with Biden’s visit serving as a testament to Angola’s rising profile on the global stage.
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