PRESIDENT Joe Biden is set to make his long-promised visit to Africa, travelling to Germany and Angola in mid-October, the White House announced on Tuesday.
During the 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, Biden committed to visiting the continent within the following year. His visit is part of a broader effort by his administration to strengthen relations with African nations, particularly as China’s influence in the region continues to grow.
Although several top US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden, visited Africa in 2023, Biden himself did not make the trip. Now, with just months left in his term following his withdrawal from the 2024 election race, he plans to travel to Berlin and Luanda, Angola, from October 10-15. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made the announcement while Biden was in New York, delivering his final address to the UN General Assembly.
Biden will be the first sitting US president to visit sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.
From October 13-15, Biden will be in Angola’s capital, Luanda, to meet with President João Lourenço. Their talks will cover a wide range of topics, including economic partnerships and infrastructure projects. A major point of discussion will be the Lobito Corridor rail project, which aims to connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, fostering regional integration.
Earlier this year, when asked about his trip to Africa, Biden had expressed hope of visiting after the November elections. ‘I plan on going in February after I am re-elected,’ he had said during a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto.
