By Jessica Donati
Joe Biden embarks on a historic journey to Angola, fulfilling his promise to visit Africa during his presidency. His focus? A groundbreaking railway project that aims to shift the flow of critical minerals away from China, a move with major implications for global trade and U.S.-China relations.
The project, supported by a U.S. loan, connects the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to the Angolan port of Lobito, providing a direct route for exporting minerals to the West. At the center of this initiative are minerals like cobalt, essential for batteries and electronics, which are abundant in Congo and have drawn significant Chinese investment.
China’s recent agreement with Tanzania and Zambia to revive a rival railway line to Africa’s eastern coast underscores the strategic importance of these mineral supply chains. As Biden’s trip coincides with the end of his presidency, experts predict that Donald Trump will continue to support the railway project upon his return to the White House in January.
Former U.S. ambassador to Africa, Tibor Nagy, notes that the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) addresses two critical concerns for the U.S.: competition with China and securing access to essential minerals. With backing from global players like Trafigura and Mota-Engil, as well as a significant loan from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, the project is set to reshape regional trade dynamics.
Biden’s itinerary includes a visit to Cape Verde before heading to Angola, where he plans to tour the slavery museum in Luanda and inspect the Lobito port. This trip underscores Biden’s commitment to Africa, though some of his broader pledges, such as supporting African representation at the U.N. Security Council, remain unfulfilled.
Aside from the railway project, the U.S. has faced challenges in leveraging Africa’s mineral wealth for national security interests. Diplomatic setbacks, like the loss of a key spy base in Niger, highlight the strategic importance of partnerships in the region.
Angola’s evolving ties with the West mark a shift from its historical alliances with China and Russia. Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu emphasizes the country’s openness to partnerships that drive economic growth and investment across sectors.
Growing U.S.-Angola Relations
Biden’s visit symbolizes a new chapter in U.S.-Angola relations, marred by a tumultuous past of Cold War rivalries. The rehabilitation of the Lobito corridor, funded by the U.S., signals a broader commitment to infrastructure development in Africa.
Administration officials view the railway project as a pilot for future public-private partnerships in the region, with potential implications for security cooperation and economic ties. Critics raise concerns about the project’s timeline and its ability to compete with existing Chinese-backed infrastructure initiatives.
Despite skepticism, experts like Judd Devermont assert that diversifying mining partnerships in Congo and enhancing connectivity across Africa benefit global trade. By offering alternate routes for critical minerals and fostering regional cooperation, projects like the LAR have the potential to reshape economic dynamics on a global scale.
As Biden’s journey unfolds, the implications of his Angola trip extend far beyond symbolic gestures, impacting trade relations, resource security, and geopolitical dynamics. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative moment in U.S.-Africa relations.