Biden visits Angola: President Joe Biden’s long-awaited trip highlights Angola’s strategic importance as he prioritizes U.S. interests in Africa.
Biden Lands in Angola Amidst Public Fanfare
On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Angola for his much-anticipated visit to sub-Saharan Africa. Crowds lined the streets of Luanda, Angola’s capital, as Biden’s motorcade made its way into the city. This historic trip is Biden’s first presidential visit to the region, and it comes during the final weeks of his presidency as Republican Donald Trump prepares to take office in January.
Before Angola, Biden made a brief stop in Cape Verde, meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva in a closed-door session. While in Angola, Biden plans to meet with President João Lourenço, visit the National Slavery Museum, and inspect the Lobito Corridor rail project—a U.S.-led initiative aimed at bolstering Africa’s infrastructure.
The visit underscores Biden’s effort to reinvigorate U.S.-Africa relations, which many Africans believe have been neglected by Washington. Biden’s trip fulfills a promise he made after hosting the U.S.-Africa Summit in December 2022, though delays due to Hurricane Milton had reinforced skepticism about America’s commitment to Africa.
A Strategic Shift to Africa with the Lobito Corridor
Central to Biden’s visit is the Lobito Corridor rail project. This 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) railway will connect copper and cobalt mines in Zambia and Congo to Angola’s Lobito port, facilitating critical mineral exports. These resources are essential for global technology supply chains, and their extraction has been dominated by China. The project is seen as a direct countermeasure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a new U.S. strategy in Africa.
The Biden administration has committed $3 billion to the project alongside European Union and G7 investments, positioning the Lobito Corridor as a flagship under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. However, with Donald Trump poised to take office, there are concerns about whether the initiative will survive the transition.
“This is a game-changer for U.S. investment in Africa,” said national security spokesman John Kirby. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Lobito Corridor in countering China’s dominance in Africa’s critical minerals sector.
Angola as a Key Player in U.S.-Africa Relations
Biden’s visit to Angola reflects the deepening relationship between the two nations. Historically marked by tensions during Angola’s civil war, U.S.-Angola ties have significantly improved. Angola’s strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and its role in mediating regional conflicts, such as in eastern Congo, have made it an essential partner for the U.S.
The Lobito Corridor is a testament to this evolving relationship. In 2022, a Western consortium outbid Chinese competitors for the rail project, a major diplomatic win for the U.S. This success also highlights Angola’s shifting alliances, with President Lourenço seeking to diversify his country’s partnerships beyond Beijing.
U.S.-Angola trade reached $1.77 billion in 2023, and Biden is expected to announce new collaborations in health, agribusiness, and security during his visit.
Balancing Economic Development with Human Rights
While Biden’s visit aims to bolster U.S.-Angola ties, it also brings scrutiny to Angola’s domestic policies. President Lourenço’s administration has faced criticism for alleged authoritarian practices, including imprisoning political opponents and enacting restrictive security laws.
International human rights groups have used Biden’s trip to highlight these issues, challenging the U.S. to balance its strategic goals with its stated commitment to human rights. The Biden administration, however, maintains that its partnership with Angola focuses on mutual development and shared values.
Lobito Corridor: A Symbol of U.S. Commitment
The Lobito Corridor is more than a railway project—it symbolizes the U.S.’s renewed focus on Africa. By creating a coast-to-coast transport link from Zambia and Congo to Tanzania, the initiative could transform Africa’s trade landscape and reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains.
Christian-Géraud Neema, an expert in China-Africa relations, believes the project’s framing as an “anti-China tool” increases its chances of bipartisan support in the U.S., even under Trump’s administration.
Still, the challenge remains daunting. Despite the project’s promise, China retains a strong foothold in Zambia and Congo’s mining sectors, controlling over 70% of global cobalt production.
The Future of U.S.-Africa Relations Under Trump
With only weeks left in Biden’s presidency, many African leaders and analysts are already looking ahead to Trump’s approach to the continent. While Biden has championed the Lobito Corridor as a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa relations, its ultimate success depends on the incoming administration’s priorities.
“The story is no longer about Biden,” said Mvemba Dizolele of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “African leaders are now focused on Donald Trump.”
Yet, the bipartisan interest in countering China in Africa could ensure the project’s continuity. Tom Sheehy, a fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, called the Lobito Corridor a flagship initiative with high stakes for U.S. foreign policy.
Conclusion: Biden’s Legacy in Africa
Biden’s visit to Angola marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations. From the Lobito Corridor to Angola’s evolving diplomatic ties, the trip showcases America’s commitment to countering China’s influence while fostering sustainable development across the continent.
As the U.S. navigates a competitive geopolitical landscape, Biden’s initiatives in Angola may set the tone for future administrations. Whether the Lobito Corridor becomes a lasting symbol of U.S. engagement in Africa or a missed opportunity will depend on the priorities of President-elect Donald Trump.
