Biden’s Angola Visit: A Push for Influence and Minerals

U.S. President Joe Biden met with African leaders in Lobito, Angola, to advance a strategic plan aimed at countering China’s dominance in Africa’s critical minerals sector. Central to the discussions was the Lobito Corridor Project, a U.S.-backed railway extension designed to connect Congo’s mining heartland and Zambia to the Angolan port of Lobito. This initiative underscores Washington’s commitment to strengthening trade ties and regional development in Africa.

The Lobito Corridor: A Vital Link for Critical Minerals

The Lobito Corridor Project involves refurbishing a 1,300-kilometer railway from Lobito to Congo and extending it into Zambia in a second phase. This infrastructure is crucial for exporting critical minerals like cobalt and copper, essential for renewable energy technologies such as electric vehicle batteries.

Key highlights of the project:

• Phase 1: Supported by a $550 million loan from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, this phase focuses on the Angola-Congo railway.
• Phase 2: A new rail extension into Zambia, with construction set to begin in 2026.
• Partners: A consortium of global companies, including Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, operating the railway under a 30-year concession.

While a timeline for completion remains uncertain, U.S. officials estimate the project could be finalised by the end of the decade.

Biden’s Summit with African Leaders

President Biden met with the leaders of Angola, Congo, Zambia, and the vice president of Tanzania to discuss the railway’s development and broader U.S.-Africa relations.

• Congo: Biden and President Felix Tshisekedi reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace and attracting investment to unlock Congo’s vast mineral potential.
• Zambia: Biden and President Hakainde Hichilema discussed the project’s Zambian phase, with Hichilema emphasising its transformative potential for regional and global trade.

Hichilema called the project a “huge opportunity for investment and trade,” reflecting the shared vision of the corridor as a driver of economic growth.

Countering China’s Influence

The Lobito Corridor is seen as a critical move to challenge China’s dominance in the African minerals market. China has long been the leading foreign player in Congo’s mining sector, securing significant mineral supplies through its Belt and Road Initiative.

• Washington’s Strategy: By improving infrastructure and securing mineral exports for Western markets, the U.S. aims to create alternative supply chains independent of Chinese control.
• Challenges: Critics warn that extending the corridor to Zambia and linking it to Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salaam might provide China a rival route eastward, undermining Washington’s goals.

Angola’s Strategic Shift Toward the West

Angola, historically aligned with China and Russia, has pivoted toward closer ties with the West under President João Lourenço. Biden’s visit marks a milestone in improving U.S.-Angola relations, highlighted by:

• Economic Ties: U.S.-Angola trade totalled $1.77 billion in 2023, making Angola the U.S.’s fourth-largest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Security Collaboration: Angola is mediating tensions between Congo and Rwanda, further solidifying its role as a key regional player.

Legacy and Criticism

Despite Biden’s efforts to deepen ties with Africa, his visit comes amid critiques of U.S. engagement on the continent:

• Delayed Action: Biden’s visit, weeks before the end of his presidency, is seen as a last-minute attempt to counter China’s entrenched influence.
• Human Rights Concerns: Analysts have criticised Biden for overlooking alleged human rights violations under Lourenço’s government, which has faced protests over corruption and economic hardships.

Florindo Chivucute, director of Friends of Angola, warned that ignoring these concerns risks emboldening unpopular leadership:

“While the U.S. lags behind China in trade, it should not compromise its core values of democracy and human rights.”

The Broader U.S.-Africa Agenda

Biden’s visit also reflects broader U.S. ambitions in Africa, including:

• Economic Integration: The railway project aligns with Washington’s goal of strengthening African infrastructure to promote trade.
• UNSC Representation: The U.S. has supported permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa but without veto power—a move criticised for perpetuating inequality in global governance.

The Road Ahead

As Donald Trump prepares to take office in January, the future of the Lobito Corridor Project remains uncertain. Analysts predict Trump’s administration will focus on trade and resource access, potentially sustaining investments in projects like Lobito.

For now, the Lobito Corridor represents a significant opportunity for the U.S. to reassert its influence in Africa and counter China’s dominance. The project’s success will depend on sustained investment, regional cooperation, and strategic vision for Africa’s development.