Biden Opens the Door to a New Era in Africa with Angola Visit: A Strategic Move Against China

In a historic move, US President Joe Biden has become the first sitting American president to visit Angola. His visit is not just a diplomatic milestone but also a strong strategic maneuver against China’s increasing influence in Africa. Biden aims to accelerate the continent’s infrastructural transformation through the Lobito Corridor railway project. This $2.8 billion investment is expected to strengthen US investments and provide an alternative to China’s hegemonic presence in the region.

The visit is deeply symbolic, marking a new chapter in US-Africa relations. As the first US president to visit the continent in such a capacity, Biden is not only gaining prestige but also laying down a strategy that could reshape US policy towards Africa. While addressing Africa’s future, Biden emphasized Angola’s immense resources, particularly its oil, gas reserves, and strategic minerals—especially cobalt and lithium. These resources play a crucial role in the global energy transition.

An important aspect of Biden’s visit is the Lobito Corridor railway project, which will significantly ease the transportation of minerals from Angola and other landlocked countries like Zambia and the DRC to global markets. The $2.8 billion investment aims to create a logistical network that will not only focus on mining but also stimulate development in agriculture and industry, as noted by Giza Gaspar Martins, Regional Director of Sun Africa, during his comments to the Center for Strategic & International Studies. He mentioned that the project would create an “ecosystem,” where the traffic would be two-way: it would not only bring minerals from the continent but also enhance the country’s agricultural and industrial sectors.

The Lobito Corridor is far more than a simple transport route. Connecting Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola, it will directly shape Africa’s economic future and could serve as a key tool in curbing China’s influence in the region. China has long been a major player in Africa’s infrastructure projects, investing heavily in the continent’s growth. However, Biden’s project aims to offer a compelling alternative to China’s ongoing dominance, reinforcing Western interests and partnerships in Africa. According to the Lobito Corridor Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), this project presents a strong counter to China’s FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) initiatives.

China has strengthened its influence in Africa, particularly through large-scale infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These initiatives have not only bolstered China’s economic and diplomatic presence in Africa but also allowed the country to make long-term investments across the continent. For example, China has made significant contributions to infrastructure in transportation, energy, and telecommunications, playing a crucial role in Africa’s overall development. However, these projects have also served to reinforce China’s political and economic interests, giving it increasing leverage over local governments and their policies. Biden’s visit to Angola, along with initiatives like the Lobito Corridor project, aims to counterbalance China’s growing dominance in the region. By offering an alternative approach to development, the U.S. seeks to provide African nations with another choice, one that emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and economic diversification, thus challenging China’s hegemonic presence in the region.

At the conclusion of his visit, Biden is expected to inspect the Lobito Port terminal and review the progress of the railway projects. It is anticipated that the US will further increase its infrastructure investments in Africa, with a new set of strategies that will balance China’s growing influence on the continent.

This visit marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, particularly when compared to the Trump administration’s more disengaged stance towards Africa. The Biden administration is sending a strong signal that Africa will receive more focused attention in the years ahead, potentially prompting a reassessment of the US’s African policies in light of China’s growing presence.

Biden’s trip is not just about cementing economic ties; it is about positioning Africa as a central player in the emerging global strategic competition. With its immense potential, Africa is poised to become not only an economic powerhouse but also a battleground for global influence in the coming decades.

RESEARCHER: SEMANUR AKMAN