Biden’s Angola visit aims to showcase his attempts to rival China

President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola marks the beginning of his long-anticipated first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as U.S. president, coming at a time when U.S.-Africa relations face an uncertain future with the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency in 2025. Biden’s visit highlights America’s effort to strengthen trade and investment in infrastructure, countering China’s growing influence on the continent, especially in Angola, a country rich in oil and minerals.

Biden’s choice to visit Angola is noteworthy. He is the first U.S. president to do so, signaling a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries. After gaining independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, Angola had strong ties with China and Russia. However, since 2017, President João Lourenço has moved Angola towards closer relations with the U.S., focusing on pragmatic and non-aligned foreign policy. As Alex Vines from Chatham House explains, Angola’s foreign policy has transitioned from ideology to a more multipolar approach.

One of the key highlights of Biden’s trip is the Lobito Corridor, a major infrastructure project. The corridor will consist of a 1,344 km railway connecting mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port on the Atlantic Ocean. The project, which aims to facilitate the transport of minerals like cobalt and lithium, is essential for the global transition to electric vehicles. Once completed, it will enhance access to these crucial resources for markets in Europe and the U.S.

The Lobito Corridor is often seen as a direct counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has established extensive trade routes across Africa. The U.S. involvement in this project marks an alternative to China’s influence in the region. The U.S. contribution is part of a broader partnership with G7 countries, with a commitment to invest $600 billion by 2027. The project is intended to be a significant competitor to China’s growing presence in Africa, especially in the mining sector.

As Biden’s presidency nears its end, there is uncertainty about the future of the Lobito Corridor under a potential Trump administration. Experts like Vines suggest that the project may survive, as it is largely aimed at countering China’s dominance in the region. However, there are concerns that a Trump presidency, defined by its competition with Beijing, could deprioritize the project, especially as both Western and Chinese firms will benefit from the infrastructure.

Lourenço has expressed hope that the Trump administration will continue the initiative, emphasizing that Angola remains ready to work with whoever is in power in the U.S. The Lobito Corridor is seen as a collaborative effort, involving Angola, the DRC, Zambia, the U.S., and other private investors. It is also a demonstration of the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Angola, showcasing efforts to avoid the colonial-era exploitation of Africa’s resources, as Lourenço notes.

However, challenges remain. Many African countries are increasingly focused on adding value to their raw materials by promoting local processing, which could undermine the economic impact of the Lobito Corridor. For instance, if African nations reduce the export of raw materials in favor of local processing, it could disrupt the demand for infrastructure like the Lobito Corridor. Nevertheless, experts remain optimistic about the demand for copper, cobalt, and lithium, particularly with the global shift towards greener energy technologies.

The U.S. investment in the Lobito Corridor is also part of Angola’s broader efforts to rebuild after its nearly 30-year civil war. The Benguela railway, a key component of the corridor, was largely destroyed during the conflict. After the war, China made significant investments in the region, renovating the railway as part of a rail-for-oil deal. However, Lourenço has expressed regret over this deal, citing its unfavorable terms for Angola. The shift toward U.S. investment reflects Angola’s desire for more favorable partnerships.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has faced criticism for placing countries into deep debt. The U.S. response, through major infrastructure investments like the Lobito Corridor, seeks to offer an alternative approach, allowing for more diversified partnerships in Africa. China already controls a significant portion of copper mining in the DRC, and the region’s mineral wealth is expected to become even more valuable as global demand for electric vehicle batteries grows.

The Lobito Corridor’s first phase has already begun, with the U.S. Development Finance Corporation helping fund the upgrade of the existing railway from Lobito to the DRC border. The second phase will extend the railway by 800 kilometers within Angola. The goal is to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania, expanding trade and boosting agriculture along the route. The African Development Bank has also committed $500 million to support trade and business development along the corridor.

In 2023, U.S.-Angola trade totaled approximately $1.77 billion, making Angola one of the U.S.’s largest trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa. Biden’s visit underscores his commitment to strengthening U.S.-Africa ties, despite the uncertainties that may arise with a potential Trump administration. Angola’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it a key player in the future of regional and global development.

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