Biden's First Presidential Visit to Angola Aims to Counter China's Influence in Sub-Saharan Africa

President Joe Biden has embarked on his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, arriving in Angola. This three-day trip aims to counter China's influence by promoting a US-backed railway project. The Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment spans Zambia, Congo, and Angola, enhancing US presence in a region rich in minerals vital for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.

Biden's visit comes as his presidency nears its end, with Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20. Biden had pledged to visit Africa after reviving the US-Africa Summit in December 2022. However, the trip was delayed until 2024 and postponed again due to Hurricane Milton, reinforcing perceptions that Africa remains a low priority for Washington.

US-China Competition Over Critical Minerals

The competition between the US and China over critical minerals is intense, with China holding significant control over Africa's resources. The US has traditionally engaged with Africa through trade, security, and humanitarian aid. The 800-mile railway upgrade represents a strategic shift akin to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

In Angola, Biden plans to meet President João Lourenço, visit the National Slavery Museum, and inspect the rail project in Lobito. His itinerary also included a brief meeting with Cape Verde's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. This visit marks the first by a sitting US president to Angola.

Lobito Corridor: A Strategic Initiative

The Lobito Corridor project is a key initiative of Biden's administration. It aims to enhance US engagement with Africa amid China's growing influence. The project's future depends on the incoming administration of President-elect Trump. "President Biden is no longer the story," said Mvemba Dizolele from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The US has committed $3 billion to the Lobito Corridor and related projects, supported by financing from the European Union, G7 nations, a Western-led private consortium, and African banks. Tom Sheehy from the United States Institute of Peace described it as a flagship for the G7's new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Lobito Corridor will upgrade and extend a railway line from Zambia's copper and cobalt mines to Angola's Atlantic port of Lobito. It aims to create a coast-to-coast rail link across Africa. While seen as transformative for US investment in Africa, it is only a starting point given China's dominance in mining in Zambia and Congo.

Biden's administration accelerated diplomatic efforts in Angola, leading to a Western consortium winning the bid for the project in 2022 over Chinese competition. This was unexpected given Angola's strong ties with Beijing, which financed previous railway redevelopments.

In Angola, Biden will announce developments in health, agribusiness, security cooperation, and the Lobito Corridor. Frances Brown from the National Security Council highlighted this visit as showcasing the evolution of US-Angola relations.

International rights groups have used Biden's trip to criticise Angola's government for its authoritarian shift. Political opponents have faced imprisonment and alleged torture under President Lourenço's regime. These issues pose challenges for America's value-based diplomacy in Africa.

Despite these challenges, many are optimistic about the Lobito project's potential to counter China's influence. Christian-Géraud Neema noted that as long as it remains an anti-China tool in Africa, funding is likely to continue. National security spokesman John Kirby expressed hope that Trump's team would see its value.

Biden attended a UN climate summit in Egypt in 2022 but is the first US president since Barack Obama in 2015 to visit sub-Saharan Africa. "I just kind of push back on the premise that this is some Johnny-come-lately trip at the very end," said John Kirby aboard Air Force One en route to Angola.

The Lobito Corridor exemplifies American diplomatic success in Angola despite past antagonism during its civil war when the US supported anti-government rebels. Last year, US-Angola trade reached $1.77 billion while strengthening regional security ties through strategic Atlantic Ocean presence and mediation efforts by Lourenço in eastern Congo conflicts.

This visit underscores evolving US-Angola relations while highlighting ongoing challenges for America's diplomacy based on values amidst criticism over human rights issues within Angola itself.