U.S. President Joe Biden, arrived in Angola late Monday for a two-day visit, marking his first and only trip to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency.
The visit highlights efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region through a landmark infrastructure project.
Biden’s visit centers on the Lobito Corridor project, a multinational initiative to rehabilitate a vital railway line connecting mineral-rich inland nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port on the Atlantic Ocean.
The project, supported by loans from the United States, European Union, and other allies, aims to facilitate mineral exports and bolster regional economic growth.
Speaking to reporters, White House National Security Advisor John Kirby described the project as “a real game changer for U.S. engagement in Africa,” expressing hope that the incoming administration would continue prioritizing it.
Biden began his official engagements Tuesday with talks with Angolan President João Lourenço in the capital, Luanda, before delivering remarks at the National Slavery Museum.
On Wednesday, he is scheduled to visit Lobito, a key site for the railway initiative.
The Angolan government declared December 3 and 4 public holidays and deployed heightened security across Luanda, home to 9.5 million people, in anticipation of Biden’s visit.
Angola, a major oil exporter, has historically maintained strong ties with China and Russia but appears to be seeking greater diversification in partnerships.
Angola owes China $17 billion, representing 40% of its total national debt.
“We’re not asking countries to choose between the U.S., Russia, or China,” Kirby emphasized.
“We’re simply offering reliable, sustainable, and verifiable investment opportunities for Angola and the continent,” he continued.
Human rights organizations have urged Biden to address Angola’s rights record during his visit.
Amnesty International recently reported that Angolan police had killed at least 17 protesters between 2020 and 2023 and called for the release of five detained government critics.
Biden’s visit also underscores a broader geopolitical competition with China, which has invested heavily in Africa, including in mineral transportation projects.
A senior U.S. official highlighted concerns over “crushing debt” associated with Chinese investments in the region.
Angola, a nation of 37 million, continues to recover from a devastating 27-year civil war that erupted after gaining independence from Portugal in 1975.
During the Cold War, the U.S. supported the UNITA rebel movement against the MPLA, the ruling party since independence, but only recognized the MPLA government in 1993.
Today, Biden’s trip signals a renewed U.S. commitment to Angola’s development and stability, with hopes of fostering stronger partnerships in a region increasingly pivotal to global geopolitics.
AFP
