President Joe Biden is embarking on his long-awaited trip to Africa, aiming to strengthen relations with the continent and counter the growing influence of China. His adventure, which kicks off on Sunday, is particularly significant as it marks the first visit to Africa by a sitting U.S. president since Barack Obama traveled there back in 2015.
With this trip, Biden intends to deliver on a previous promise to visit Africa during his presidency, putting focus on key initiatives like the U.S.-backed Lobito Atlantic Railway project. This ambitious railway links the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to the Angolan port of Lobito along the Atlantic Ocean, providing a faster and more efficient route for exporting integral resources to Western markets.
But why is the Lobito Railway so important? At the heart of it lies the vast wealth of minerals found in the DRC, such as copper and cobalt—elements pivotal for producing batteries and electronics. Currently, China dominates this lucrative market, stirring anxiety within U.S. circles about their influence. Just recently, China inked an agreement with Tanzania and Zambia to revive another railway connecting to Africa’s eastern coast, potentially complicative for U.S. interests.
Biden's trip occurs under the looming specter of the 2024 presidential race, with predictions of Donald Trump returning to power and possibly backing the same railway project. According to multiple sources from the previous Trump administration, if Trump reassumes the presidency, he’s expected to focus on two main issues: competition with China and access to America’s indispensable minerals.
"This checks both boxes," stated Tibor Nagy, former U.S. ambassador to Africa, referring to the Lobito Atlantic Railway. Essentially, what's at stake is far more than just rail tracks; it’s about establishing reliable access to resources and reducing dependency on China.
During his two-day trip, Biden will kick things off with a quick stopover in Cape Verde to engage with local leadership before heading to Angola. One of the highlights on his itinerary includes visiting Angola’s slavery museum, demonstrating not just political goals but personal investment and respect for the nation’s history.
Aside from the railway development, Biden’s trip is poised to address the United States' broader commitments to Africa. The administration has faced criticism for not translating promises of support, such as advocating for Africa to hold permanent seats at the UN Security Council, or enhancing access to the continent’s mineral resources. This gap remains glaring, especially as recent diplomatic challenges have surfaced—including the loss of America’s significant spy base in Niger, which leaves the U.S. devoid of military presence amid rising Islamist insurgency pressure.
Traditionally, Angola has maintained strong diplomatic ties with both China and Russia. Recently, though, there’s been a shift toward the West, which Angolan officials credit to their desire for partners supporting economic growth rather than rivals fighting for influence. According to Angolan Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, the growing prominence of Chinese investment is somewhat attributed to the neglect of Western countries toward Africa.
"China has only gained prominence because Western countries have probably not been paying much attention to Africa," d’Abreu noted, highlighting the urgent need for the U.S. to engage with African nations directly.
Biden’s visit signifies not just chance encounters but also recognition of the complex history between the U.S. and Angola. After decades of the U.S. playing both sides during Angola’s prolonged civil war, this trip may symbolize a bid for reconciliation and cooperation. Former Zambian minister Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika captures the essence of this sentiment perfectly: "It’s probably poetic justice for the U.S. to finance the rehabilitation of this route to which it had contributed destruction so many decades ago."
Biden administration officials stress this rail initiative is merely the beginning. They view it as a prototype of public-private partnerships, aiming to attract future investments and infrastructure projects across the continent. This effort not only seeks to revive economic connections but also to fortify security partnerships with Angola.
Critics have raised eyebrows over the timeline of the railway's development, questioning if and when the anticipated advantages will materialize. Concern circles particularly around plans for the railway to eventually connect to Tanzania, potentially inviting competition and duplicative routes to those already established by China.
Former Africa adviser Judd Devermont emphasizes only one thing will become clear: Congolese stakeholders are eager to decrease dependence on Chinese dominance within their mining sector. "The Congolese have been very clear they don’t want to see their entire mining sector dominated by China," he said, underscoring the collective desire for diversified mining partnerships.
Biden's trip reflects both urgency and opportunity—mending ties, prioritizing economic development, and shifting power dynamics. It’s not just about delaying or denying China’s growing footprint; it’s about solidifying relationships built on mutual respect and shared benefits.
With this African adventure, the Biden administration faces not just scrutiny but also the potential for new trajectories. How effectively they navigate this complex terrain could redefine alliances and investments, shaping the narrative of U.S.-Africa relations for years to come.
