Biden Africa trip/ Lobito Corridor railway/ U.S.-China competition/ Angola U.S. relations/ critical minerals/ CAPE TOWN/ South Africa/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden embarks on his first visit to Africa as president, focusing on the Lobito Corridor railway project across Angola, Zambia, and Congo. This U.S.-backed $2.5 billion initiative aims to counter China’s dominance in Africa’s critical minerals sector. Biden’s visit seeks to solidify U.S. ties with Africa as his presidency winds down, but the project’s future hinges on incoming President-elect Donald Trump.
Biden’s Africa Trip: Quick Looks
- Lobito Corridor Focus: A U.S.-backed $2.5 billion railway to transport critical minerals.
- Geopolitical Strategy: A countermeasure to China’s dominance in Africa’s resource trade.
- Historic Visit: Biden’s first trip to Africa as president, including a stop in Angola.
- Challenges Ahead: Uncertain commitment under Trump’s administration and Angola’s human rights issues.
- Long-Term Goals: Strengthening U.S.-Africa relations and securing critical mineral supplies.
Biden’s Africa Visit Highlights U.S. Pushback Against China’s Influence
Deep Look
Biden’s Final Push in Africa
President Joe Biden’s first visit to Africa as president comes at the end of his term, signaling a late but critical effort to strengthen U.S. influence on the continent. Biden’s three-day trip centers on the Lobito Corridor, a $2.5 billion railway redevelopment project connecting Angola’s Lobito port to copper and cobalt mines in Zambia and Congo.
The project, touted as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to diversify the global supply of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, clean energy, and electronics. Biden’s visit underscores the U.S. strategy of blending infrastructure investment with diplomatic outreach to challenge Beijing’s dominance.
Geopolitical Stakes
China has long held a tight grip on Africa’s mineral trade, particularly in cobalt, with over 70% of the world’s supply coming from Congo. Much of this resource flows directly to China, cementing its advantage in the critical minerals supply chain.
The U.S., alongside partners like the European Union and the G7, has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to the Lobito Corridor, marking a rare win against China, which financed earlier railway developments in the region. In 2022, a Western consortium secured the bid for Lobito’s redevelopment, a notable diplomatic victory given Angola’s historical ties to Beijing.
A Test for Trump’s Administration
The Lobito project’s success depends on sustained U.S. engagement, but its future is uncertain under President-elect Donald Trump. While Trump has prioritized countering China, his broader Africa strategy remains unclear. Analysts suggest that framing Lobito as a critical anti-China initiative increases the likelihood of continued support.
“As long as they keep labeling Lobito one of the main anti-China tools in Africa, there is a certain likelihood that it’s going to keep being funded,” said Christian-Géraud Neema, an expert on China-Africa relations.
Diplomatic Milestone for Angola
Biden’s stop in Angola, the first by a sitting U.S. president, highlights the evolving U.S.-Angola relationship. Once adversaries during Angola’s civil war, the two nations have grown closer, with trade reaching $1.77 billion last year. Angola has also taken on a significant role in regional stability, mediating conflicts in eastern Congo.
In Angola, Biden will announce initiatives spanning health, agribusiness, and security. However, his visit also draws attention to Angola’s deteriorating human rights record, with international groups criticizing President João Lourenço’s authoritarian shift.
Broader Challenges in U.S.-Africa Relations
While the Lobito Corridor represents a step forward, experts argue that it is insufficient to address Africa’s broader challenges or shift the continent’s perception of the U.S. as an inconsistent partner.
China’s influence remains dominant, bolstered by regular summits with African leaders and sustained investment. In contrast, the U.S. has held only two U.S.-Africa summits since 2000, with no immediate plans for another.
Former U.S. ambassador Michelle Gavin noted the need for a more comprehensive approach:
“It’s not just about trying to blunt China but imagining what it looks like if we actually showed up in a more serious way.”
The Road Ahead
As Biden wraps up his term, the Lobito Corridor stands as a symbol of U.S. efforts to reengage with Africa. However, the project’s success requires bipartisan commitment and long-term investment, making it a litmus test for future administrations’ dedication to global infrastructure and countering China’s influence.
What’s Next?
- Lobito Construction: The railway project will continue into future administrations, with completion expected after Biden’s term.
- Trump’s Strategy: The incoming president’s approach to Africa will shape U.S. influence on the continent.
- Human Rights Watch: Angola’s governance and human rights practices will remain under scrutiny during U.S. engagement.
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