President Joe Biden is set to depart for Angola on Sunday night, fulfilling a two-year promise to visit Africa. The trip aims to highlight US investment in the continent under his administration amidst China's increasing presence in the region.
Biden's three-day visit to oil-rich Angola comes as he nears the end of his presidency, preparing to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump in January. This visit provides Biden with an opportunity to strengthen relations with a key US partner in Africa, especially in light of previous disparaging comments made by Trump about African countries.
Upon landing in Luanda on Monday, Biden will become the first sitting president to visit sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. This historic visit will also mark the first time a US president has visited Angola, a country with which Biden has been working to enhance relations in recent years.
The trip will focus on highlighting investments in the Lobito Corridor, an 800-mile railway project supported by the United States and Europe. This project aims to facilitate the transportation of critical minerals from interior Africa to Angola's western port for export.
The Biden administration's efforts to increase investment in Africa are seen as a strategic move to counter China's growing influence in the region. Beijing has heavily invested in infrastructure projects across Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, while Russia has also been expanding its presence on the continent.
By offering an alternative to Chinese investments, the US hopes to provide African countries with higher standards and better options for development. The Biden administration has shifted its strategy in Africa towards investment rather than traditional development assistance, with a focus on long-term partnerships.
During his visit to Angola, Biden will engage in bilateral meetings with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and members of civil society. He is expected to make announcements regarding global health security partnerships, agribusiness, security cooperation, and the preservation of Angola's cultural heritage.
While it remains uncertain whether this will be Biden's last trip abroad as president, his visit to Africa underscores the importance of US-Africa relations and the administration's commitment to fostering strong partnerships on the continent.
