President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, the first by a U.S. president to this southwestern African nation, will focus on a railway corridor aimed at transporting minerals from the continent’s interior to a developing port in Angola.
As reported by Voice of America correspondent Anita Powell, Biden is also expected to emphasize the importance of stability and democracy as key drivers of Africa’s economic growth.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco, a prominent figure on the continent, has leveraged his country’s status as a major oil producer to expand its influence and contribute to resolving regional conflicts. On December 2, he will host President Biden, marking a historic moment in U.S.-Angola relations.
During the visit, Biden plans to highlight a significant U.S.-backed development initiative—the 1,300-kilometer “Lobito Corridor” railway. This project connects Africa’s mineral-rich interior to Angola’s southwestern port, and the U.S. has reportedly secured over $3 billion in public and private funding for the investment.
The White House describes U.S.-Angola relations as undergoing a “true transformation,” with both nations becoming increasingly close partners.
“Together, the United States and Angola are addressing a wide range of urgent challenges, from improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities to promoting sustainable development in the region, advancing technological and scientific cooperation, and strengthening peace and food security,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Some analysts note that President Biden’s visit comes late, following his 2022 pledge to engage more directly with Africa. Biden had initially planned to visit Angola in October, but the trip was postponed due to Hurricane Milton.
“Considering it comes toward the end of his administration and lacks significant breakthroughs in U.S.-Africa relations, I don’t think this visit will leave a major mark,” remarked Cameron Hudson of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
While Biden and Angolan President João Lourenço align on many issues, differences remain. For instance, Biden’s unwavering support for Israel contrasts with Angola’s stance, which is more aligned with perspectives from South America, Africa, and Asia. Lourenço has expressed a balanced view, stating, “Israel has the right to defend itself and protect its citizens’ lives, but Palestinians, too, deserve this same right, as they have endured decades of occupation—an unacceptable situation.”
One area of shared agreement between the U.S., Angola, and even China is the urgent need for Africa’s development. China, through its “Belt and Road Initiative,” has made massive investments in the continent. Over the past 11 years, Chinese companies have built or upgraded over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, about 1,000 bridges, 100 ports, and extensive energy and communication networks across Africa, according to Xu Jianping of China’s National Development and Reform Commission.
Analysts observe that China’s engagement has positioned it strongly in Africa. For Biden, this visit to Angola, his first to West Africa, could also be viewed as a symbolic closing chapter, as it is likely to be his final overseas trip as U.S. president.
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