Biden Arrives in Angola to Highlight US Railway Projects During Sub-Saharan Africa Visit

President Joe Biden has embarked on his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, arriving in Angola to a warm reception. His visit aims to spotlight a US-supported railway project designed to counter China's influence on the continent. This trip, spanning three days, will primarily focus on the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment in Zambia, Congo, and Angola. The project seeks to enhance US involvement in a region abundant with critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.

Before reaching Angola, Biden made a brief stop in Cape Verde for a private meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. In Angola's capital, Luanda, he plans to meet President João Lourenço and visit the National Slavery Museum. Additionally, Biden will travel to Lobito to inspect the rail project and announce new initiatives related to health, agribusiness, and security, according to White House officials.

US-China Competition Over Critical Minerals

The competition between the US and China over critical minerals is intense, with China maintaining a stronghold on Africa's resources. The US has historically engaged with Africa through trade, security, and humanitarian aid. However, the 1,300-kilometer railway upgrade represents a strategic shift reminiscent of China's Belt and Road initiative. The Biden administration considers this corridor one of its key initiatives.

The Lobito Corridor aims to upgrade and extend a railway line from Zambia's copper and cobalt mines through southern Congo to Angola's port of Lobito. This development strengthens the westward route for Africa's critical minerals. Ultimately, it seeks to connect Zambia and Congo to Africa's east coast via Tanzania, creating a coast-to-coast rail link.

Funding and Future Prospects

The US has pledged USD 3 billion towards the Lobito Corridor and associated projects. This funding is complemented by contributions from the European Union, the Group of Seven industrialized 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.

Despite Biden's administration calling it a "game-changer" for US investment in Africa, it remains an initial step for the US and its partners. China continues to dominate mining in Zambia and Congo. Congo holds over 70% of the world's cobalt reserves, most of which are exported to China to bolster its critical mineral supply chain that both the US and Europe depend on.

Political Implications

Biden's visit comes just weeks before Donald Trump assumes office on January 20. This trip fulfills Biden's promise to visit sub-Saharan Africa after delays caused by Hurricane Milton. The last US president to visit this region was Barack Obama in 2015. Biden did attend a UN climate summit in Egypt in 2022.

National security spokesman John Kirby addressed concerns about the timing of Biden's trip: "I just kind of push back on the premise that this is some Johnny-come-lately trip at the very end." He emphasized that top administration officials have visited Africa during Biden's presidency.

Challenges Ahead

The future of Lobito and any shifts in US engagement with Africa depend on President-elect Trump's administration. Mvemba Dizolele from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that African leaders are now focused on Trump. Christian-Géraud Neema from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggested that as long as Lobito is seen as an anti-China tool in Africa, it will likely continue receiving funding.

Kirby expressed hope that Trump would recognize Lobito's value: "We are still in office. We still have 50 days." He stressed its importance not only for US foreign policy goals but also for Africans.

Michelle Gavin, former adviser on Africa to Obama, remarked that multiple administrations have failed to take Africa seriously. She said that while Lobito is "one good idea," it's insufficient alone: "It's not just about trying to blunt China but trying to imagine what it looks like if we actually were to show up in a more serious way."