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President Joe Biden will make history Monday by becoming the first U.S. president to visit Angola, underscoring America’s growing engagement in sub-Saharan Africa. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and highlight U.S.-backed infrastructure projects designed to connect Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through a redeveloped transit system for critical minerals.
Biden’s trip marks a significant milestone as the U.S. seeks to expand its influence in a region rich in essential minerals like cobalt and copper, critical for electronics, electric vehicles, and clean energy technologies. It also underscores growing competition with China, which has heavily invested in Africa’s mining and infrastructure sectors.
U.S. Infrastructure Push in Africa
During his visit to Angola’s capital, Luanda, Biden will meet with Angolan President João Lourenço and deliver remarks at the National Slavery Museum. He is also expected to announce initiatives on global health and security cooperation.
One of the visit’s central focuses will be the railway and port infrastructure in Lobito, Angola’s coastal municipality. The railway, which extends through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aims to eventually link the Atlantic Ocean to Tanzania’s coast on the Indian Ocean, creating a vital trade corridor.
“We’re preparing the ground for eventually reaching all the way to Tanzania, connecting the Atlantic and Indian oceans,” a senior administration official explained. The project, which has seen billions of dollars in U.S. investment, positions America as a key player in Africa’s critical minerals trade, traditionally dominated by China.
Competing with China’s Influence
Biden’s visit underscores the U.S. strategy to counter China’s extensive investments across Africa. China has long been a dominant player, owning about 72% of cobalt and copper mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo just two years ago, according to the China Global South Project.
While acknowledging the need to compete, the Biden administration emphasized that U.S. investments aim to benefit African economies in ways that Chinese investments have not. “Our investment focuses on attracting high-standards companies committed to labor rights, gender equality, health, and environmental stewardship,” a senior official said.
Delayed by Hurricane Milton
Biden’s trip was initially postponed due to Hurricane Milton, as he prioritized overseeing the federal response. Before arriving in Angola, Biden stopped in Cabo Verde for a meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, further signaling the U.S.’s renewed interest in strengthening partnerships across Africa.
A Broader U.S.-Africa Strategy
Biden’s visit to Angola is part of a broader strategy to deepen U.S. engagement in Africa, particularly in infrastructure and economic development. By promoting high-standard investment and infrastructure projects, the U.S. seeks to provide a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and foster long-term economic growth across the continent.
As Biden prepares to leave office, this historic trip underscores the administration’s commitment to reshaping America’s relationship with Africa while securing strategic resources crucial for the global energy transition.
