President Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Africa signifies a strategic move designed to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to investing in the continent as a counterbalance to the expanding influence of China and Russia. Departing on a Sunday night for Angola, this visit fulfills a two-year promise and coincides with an important juncture in his presidency—Biden will hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump in January. Through this trip, the Biden administration aims to highlight significant U.S. investments, bolstering relations with key African partners.
This three-day journey, which marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to sub-Saharan Africa since Barack Obama’s trip in 2015, underscores the unique relationship between the U.S. and Angola. The president’s visit to Luanda is poised to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations, especially given the context of Trump’s contentious past remarks regarding African countries during his presidency. As Biden touches down in Luanda, he will engage in discussions that center on shared economic, technological, and scientific initiatives aimed at bolstering Angola’s developmental efforts.
Biden’s visit to Angola also serves to spotlight the Lobito Corridor, an extensive 800-mile railway project designed to facilitate the transport of critical minerals from landlocked African countries to Angola’s western port. This infrastructure project represents a key facet of the Biden administration’s strategy to increase investment in Africa while addressing the significant investments made by China, which have grown substantially through the Belt and Road Initiative. In a recent move, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a commitment of $50 billion to support African development, further intensifying competition for influence between the U.S. and China on the continent.
Alongside China, Russia is also aiming to expand its footprint in Africa, with U.S. military officials cautioning Congress about Russia’s aggressive strategies in establishing partnerships in the region. In light of these geopolitical tensions, a senior U.S. official highlighted that Biden’s administration is committed to providing an alternative to nations that may feel compelled to accept Chinese investments, which are often marred by lower standards and ethical concerns. Biden’s administration aims to present American-backed investments as a more attractive option, promoting the idea of higher standards and more ethical business practices.
The Biden administration’s approach signals a departure from traditional methods of development assistance, focusing instead on fostering investments in specific countries. Officials within his administration express optimism that this investment-centric strategy could transcend current political cycles, perhaps continuing even with a potential return of Trump’s administration. They view Angola as a vital partner, particularly given its role in mediating conflicts in neighboring regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During his presidency, Biden has been keen to establish a strong rapport with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, emphasizing mutual investments and cooperation in various sectors. In 2023, Biden recorded his commitment to partnership during an Oval Office meeting where he applauded both American investments in Angola and ongoing projects like solar energy initiatives. His narrative emphasizes that the partnership between Angola and the U.S. holds significant potential for mutual benefit.
As Biden embarks on this important visit, he will engage in high-level meetings with Lourenço and members of the civil society. The agenda also involves delivering a speech that aims to reflect on the historical ties and ongoing collaborations between Angola and the U.S. Notably, the president is expected to announce new initiatives ranging from public health partnerships to support for Angola’s cultural heritage, which includes backing the country’s bid to have the Kwanza Corridor designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While officials have refrained from commenting on whether this will be Biden’s last trip abroad as president, the significance of this journey amid rising concerns over Trump’s influence in international affairs is unmistakable. Ahead of the trip, Lourenço expressed readiness to work with Trump and addressed the shifts in U.S. administration as part of normal political evolution, asserting the importance of maintaining relationships between Angola and the United States, regardless of who occupies the White House.
