US President Joe Biden made history with his first visit to Angola on Tuesday, using the trip to announce a major $3bn investment in infrastructure and foster stronger ties with the African continent. His visit marks a new chapter in US-Angola relations, with Biden highlighting the strategic importance of Angola’s Lobito Corridor—a railway project designed to enhance trade across southern Africa and secure vital resources for US industries.
During his meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço, Biden underscored the US’s commitment to Africa’s development, calling it a ‘moment for a lasting partnership.’
‘The United States is all in on Africa,’ Biden declared, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to countering global challenges with collaborative efforts across the continent.
Historic project with global impact
A key focus of Biden’s visit was the Lobito Corridor railway, a development initiative poised to improve access to crucial minerals essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and electronics. The project, with an investment of $3bn, will connect Angola with Zambia and Congo, facilitating smoother transport of raw materials for export. This comes at a time when China has been heavily investing in African minerals, creating a competitive race for influence over the region’s valuable resources.
Biden, while emphasising the economic benefits of the corridor, also stressed its strategic role in strengthening Africa’s infrastructure, particularly as it relates to the global shift towards sustainable energy. ‘The Lobito Corridor is not just an investment in Angola, it’s an investment in the future of sub-Saharan Africa,’ said Biden.
Acknowledging shared history
Biden also paid tribute to the painful history that binds Angola and the US, visiting the National Slavery Museum in Luanda. The museum stands as a stark reminder of Angola’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. There, Biden delivered a moving speech acknowledging the historical ties between the two nations, specifically addressing the trafficking of humans that once linked their economies. He met with Wanda Tucker, a descendant of the first enslaved child born in the US, offering a symbolic moment of recognition for both nations’ shared past.
Strengthening US-Africa relations amid global competition
Biden’s visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with the US aiming to bolster its presence in Africa to counterbalance China’s growing influence. Despite the competitive backdrop, Biden stressed that the US was not seeking to outpace China but rather to offer reliable, sustainable investments. ‘We’re looking for partnerships that benefit both our people, not just to compete with other powers,’ Biden noted.
As Biden prepares to visit the Lobito Corridor’s Atlantic Ocean outlet on Wednesday, the trip signals a significant step in renewing US-Africa relations, with a focus on infrastructure, economic development, and mutual respect for shared histories. With the US investment and global cooperation in play, Biden’s visit to Angola is a critical turning point for US-Africa partnerships.
