Overview

• 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.