US President Joe Biden arrived in Angola on Monday for a landmark two-day visit, marking his first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency. This visit places a spotlight on a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at countering China’s growing presence on the continent. Biden’s focus will be on the rehabilitation of a crucial railway line that transports minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port for export.
Angola, a Portuguese-speaking country rich in oil resources, declared December 3 and 4 as public holidays in preparation for Biden’s visit. Heavy security measures were also deployed throughout the capital, Luanda, which is home to around 9.5 million people. The visit began with talks between Biden and Angolan President João Lourenço, followed by a planned address by the US President at the National Slavery Museum in Luanda.
On Wednesday, Biden is set to visit the coastal city of Lobito, situated about 500 kilometers south of Luanda. There, he will meet officials involved in the Lobito Corridor project, a multinational infrastructure effort designed to rejuvenate the railway that links Angola’s Atlantic port to the mineral-rich inland regions of the DRC and Zambia. This key route will facilitate the export of valuable minerals, strengthening Angola’s position as a major regional hub for trade.
The Lobito Corridor project is receiving backing from the United States, the European Union, and other international partners. John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, emphasized the project’s importance, calling it a transformative initiative for US engagement in Africa. The project is viewed as a strategic alternative to China’s extensive investments in infrastructure across the continent.
As Biden prepares to hand over the presidency to Donald Trump in January, this trip serves as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to boost economic and security ties with African nations. Kirby expressed hope that future US leadership will recognize the value of this initiative, which is expected to contribute to a more prosperous, secure, and economically stable Africa.
Gathered by: Miller Blessing