President Joe Biden is ready to touch down in Luanda, Angola, and it’s not just any trip—it’s strategically timed and laden with geopolitical significance. Marking one of his last international stops before potentially handing over the reins to the next president, Biden’s visit to Angola is set against the backdrop of increasing tension between the U.S. and China, particularly over resource-rich Africa. Angola, rich in oil and mineral wealth, has emerged as a focal point for both nations vying for influence on the continent.
During this trip, Biden is expected to share key updates on the ambitious Lobito Corridor project—a major infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This corridor is not just about transportation; it's part of the broader G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment initiative. With China’s Belt and Road Initiative stretching its influence across Africa, the U.S. is making concerted efforts to establish competitive infrastructure projects.
The Lobito Corridor plans to transform the 1,344-kilometer Benguela Railway, which runs from Angola to Zambia and connects to Congolese tracks. The goal? To provide faster, more efficient transport for goods and resources, bringing transit times from over 45 days down to less than one week. Such improvements promise to revitalize agricultural trade and economic activity across the region, which could prove game-changing for local economies.
Dr. Frances Brown, Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, highlighted the initiative's holistic ambitions during a digital briefing. "This isn’t just about railroads—it's about strengthening communities, improving access to education, and enhancing digital connectivity through transparent and competitive processes." The overall framework is not merely infrastructure-heavy; it seeks to build local capacity and community resilience as well.
The Lobito project received impressive backing: over $5 billion has been mobilized by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation alongside contributions from EU and African partners. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by multiple parties—Angola, Zambia, the DRC, the EU, the African Development Bank, and others—to accelerate its development.
Yet, amid these optimistic plans, there's skepticism about the tangible benefits for the Angolan populace. Local experts warn of historical precedents where foreign investments primarily benefited the elite. Kinkinamo Tuassamba, an international relations expert, articulated concerns about unemployment among Angolan youth, emphasizing, "The large investments promised by the U.S. will unfortunately not change this," reflecting the consistent disillusionment with government priorities after wealth has been funneled away.
The geopolitical chessboard also positions China squarely as Angola's historical ally, dating back to significant investments made since the 1970s during the Cold War and beyond. At present, Angola allegedly owes China approximately $25 billion, predominantly settled through oil shipments. To counter China's vast investment footprint, many analysts view Biden's Angola trip as both strategic and reactively competitive. With President Lourenco’s administration reportedly skating carefully between the two powerful nations, it's clear he seeks to leverage their rivalry to Angola's advantage.
While the Lobito Corridor seeks to connect central Africa to the Atlantic, China has already moved aggressively to expand transport routes to the Indian Ocean. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), refurbished at enormous costs with Chinese financing, has persistently been operational and is undergoing modernization to meet rising demands.
Political analyst Claudio Silva captures the essence of the current tensions succinctly, stating, "The Americans don’t want to give up the region’s valuable resources to the Chinese, but the question is, can they even match the Chinese's longstanding commitments to infrastructure?" Yet, beyond mere economic competition, the U.S. has pursued avenues to deepen military ties with Angola, reflecting broader security interests across the region, potentially signaling warming military relations.
Former military cooperation is notable, particularly with speculation surrounding plans for the establishment of U.S. military bases. An Angolan professor suggested the strategic significance of Soyo, located near key oil fields and near the Congo, makes it appealing to Washington. While official sources rebuff claims of any imminent U.S. military establishments, the looming potential shows how deeply intertwined economic and military interests are becoming within this geopolitical tussle.
Little things point toward the uniqueness of this engagement. The backdrop of the U.S. presidential elections looms large over Biden’s trip, injecting urgency and significance to cementing partnerships before potentially losing ground to competitors. Just as Biden's administration has sought to reshape U.S.-Africa relations, President Lourenco's recent overtures to the U.S. can be viewed as efforts to diversify partnerships beyond traditional allies and secure more favorable terms.
The visit is imbued with anticipation and the chance for new beginnings, but the deep and complex historical omens of foreign involvement remain cautionary tales. Whether Biden’s promises translate to local benefits, help bridge employment gaps, and stimulate long-term economic growth is still fraught with uncertainty. With skepticism about wealth distribution swirling among the citizens, the president's handshake deals may face rigorous scrutiny back home and abroad.
President Joe Biden’s trip to Angola encapsulates the strategic push to reopen dialogue with Africa, but the outcomes of these engagements will depend heavily on whether the U.S. rivals China’s historical footprint or even if they can make lasting contributions to the continent’s future beyond infrastructure and economic initiatives. The world will be watching whether this moment will yield real change for ordinary Angolans or merely provide more fodder for the existing elite. The quest for influence continues, but the stakes have never been higher for all involved.
