President Joe Biden arrived in Angola on Monday for his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Africa relations. Crowds gathered in Luanda to welcome Biden, who also stopped in Cape Verde for a brief meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva before heading to Angola.
Biden’s agenda includes discussions with Angolan President João Lourenço, a visit to the National Slavery Museum, and a trip to Lobito to inspect a U.S.-backed railway project. This visit fulfills a promise made during the revived U.S.-Africa Summit in December 2022, though delays—most recently due to Hurricane Milton—sparked concerns about Africa’s priority on Washington’s agenda.
The trip comes as Biden’s presidency winds down, with Donald Trump preparing to take office in January. Despite this, White House officials maintain that Africa has been a consistent focus of Biden’s administration.
A Strategic Shift in Africa
Biden’s visit highlights a major U.S. initiative: the $3 billion Lobito Corridor project, a rail link designed to transport critical minerals from Zambia and Congo to Angola’s Atlantic coast. The project, backed by U.S. and European funding, positions Washington as a competitor to China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa.
While the railway’s completion lies beyond Biden’s tenure, it is expected to remain a priority for the incoming administration. Analysts note its bipartisan appeal as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in Africa’s critical mineral supply chain.
Revitalized U.S.-Angola Relations
The visit also reflects the warming ties between Washington and Luanda, a significant shift from the antagonistic relations of the Cold War era. The U.S. played a key role in helping a Western consortium secure the Lobito Corridor contract in 2022, edging out China despite Angola’s historically close ties with Beijing.
Beyond infrastructure, Biden’s administration has prioritized trade, health, and security partnerships with Angola. During the visit, Biden is expected to announce new initiatives in these areas, underscoring Angola’s strategic importance in regional stability and global supply chains.
Challenges Amid Progress
However, Biden’s trip has not been without scrutiny. Human rights groups have criticized Angola’s authoritarian trends under President Lourenço, citing political repression and restricted freedoms. These issues highlight the delicate balance in America’s value-based diplomacy in Africa.
As Biden’s historic visit unfolds, it underscores both the opportunities and challenges in redefining U.S.-Africa relations for the future.