Biden’s Historic Africa Visit: Strengthening US-Angola Ties Amid Global Competition

President Joe Biden will visit Africa starting Sunday night, fulfilling a two-year promise. He heads to Angola to promote U.S. investment in the continent amid growing Chinese influence.

Biden’s three-day trip to oil-rich Angola occurs as he prepares to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump in January. This visit allows Biden to strengthen ties with an important U.S. partner in Africa, especially with Trump’s return, who previously made controversial comments about African nations.

Biden’s arrival in Luanda on Monday will be the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. It also marks the first visit by a U.S. president to Angola, where Biden has focused on improving relations in recent years.

During a 2022 summit, Biden promised to visit Africa but missed the deadline due to devastating hurricanes in the U.S. His trip will feature investments in the Lobito Corridor, an 800-mile railway project backed by the U.S. and Europe, aimed at transporting critical minerals from landlocked countries to Angola’s port for export.

This initiative is part of the Biden administration’s strategy to increase investment in Africa and counter China’s expanding influence in the region. China has invested heavily in African infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative, pledging billions over the years.

While China and Russia aim to strengthen their foothold in Africa, a senior official said Biden has reinvigorated U.S. engagement on the continent, offering alternatives to Chinese investments, which often involve lower standards.

The Biden administration aims to shift its focus in Africa from aid to strategic investments. Officials believe these initiatives will continue under future administrations. Angola is seen as a key U.S. partner, especially for its role in regional conflicts.

Biden’s schedule includes a meeting with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and a visit to the National Slavery Museum, emphasizing shared history and partnerships. He will also tour Lobito Port and meet regional leaders to discuss various initiatives, including health security, agribusiness, and cultural heritage preservation.

Biden will make an appearance at the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit before returning to the U.S. on Wednesday evening. Discussions ahead of the trip indicate that Lourenço is prepared to work with Trump, highlighting Angola’s approach to transitioning between U.S. administrations.

Overall, Biden’s visit aims to strengthen relationships, promote U.S. investments, and reaffirm commitments to Angola and the broader African continent.