Biden Visits Angola to Bolster U.S. Ties and Counter China's Influence

The trip highlights the Lobito Corridor railway project and strategic resource partnerships as Biden seeks to solidify his Africa legacy.

President Joe Biden's visit to Angola marks the first trip by a U.S. president to Africa since 2015, aiming to fulfill a 2022 pledge to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations.
Central to the visit is the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor railway project, a $2.5 billion initiative connecting Angola to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, targeting critical mineral exports like cobalt and copper.
The trip is seen as part of U.S. efforts to counter China's growing dominance in Africa, as Beijing remains Angola's largest trade partner and creditor, holding 40% of the country's debt.
Angola's President João Lourenço has positioned the country as a mediator in regional conflicts and seeks to diversify partnerships beyond China and Russia, aligning with U.S. strategic interests.
Critics question the timing and impact of Biden's visit, citing unaddressed human rights concerns in Angola and the limited scope of U.S. engagement compared to China's extensive investments.