Biden’s Angola Visit Highlights U.S. Strategy to Counter China in Africa

A Symbolic Stop in Angola

Biden’s visit marks the first time a U.S. president has traveled to Angola, highlighting its emergence as a pivotal partner in the region. Once aligned with China and Russia during its post-independence years, Angola has shifted its foreign policy under President João Lourenço toward a pragmatic, non-aligned approach.

“Angola’s position today is one of true multipolarity,” said Alex Vines, director of the Africa Program at Chatham House. “President Biden’s visit acknowledges the country’s growing strategic significance.”

The Lobito Corridor: A Strategic Initiative

At the center of Biden’s agenda is the Lobito Corridor, a $600 billion initiative involving the U.S., G7 countries, and private investors. The project seeks to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Angola via a 1,344-kilometer railway to the Atlantic port city of Lobito.

This corridor aims to transport critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper—vital for electric vehicle production—across Africa and onto global markets. U.S. involvement in the Lobito Corridor marks its most direct response yet to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has dominated Africa’s infrastructure landscape for over a decade.

“This corridor isn’t just about trade; it’s about setting a precedent for Africa’s development driven by partnerships, not dependency,” said Helaina Matza, acting special coordinator for the Lobito Corridor at the U.S. State Department.

Navigating Angola’s Complex Past

Angola’s infrastructure, including the colonial-era Benguela railway forming part of the Lobito Corridor, was decimated during its nearly 30-year civil war, which ended in 2002. Early reconstruction efforts were heavily financed by China through a controversial oil-for-loans arrangement.

President Lourenço has since expressed regret over such deals, emphasizing the importance of equitable partnerships. “If asked today to take a similar loan, I would say no,” he told the New York Times.

A New Era of U.S.-Africa Relations

Biden’s visit fulfills a promise made to African leaders in 2022 to engage more meaningfully with the continent. It also comes at a critical juncture, as Donald Trump prepares to succeed Biden in January. The future of initiatives like the Lobito Corridor remains uncertain under a Trump administration, which is expected to adopt a more protectionist approach.

Analysts like Dr. Vines remain cautiously optimistic about the corridor’s prospects. “The project’s alignment with global strategic interests, particularly in countering China, may ensure its survival,” he said.

Regional and Global Implications

The Lobito Corridor has broader implications for regional integration and trade, with the African Development Bank committing $500 million to support small businesses and cooperatives along its route. In addition to minerals, the corridor is expected to boost agriculture and cross-border commerce.

While acknowledging these opportunities, critics warn of potential pitfalls. Anthony Carroll, a minerals expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace, highlighted the cyclical demand for resources like lithium and cobalt, urging diversification to ensure long-term viability.

Hope for the Future

President Lourenço expressed optimism about Angola’s evolving global role. “Today, when we export minerals, it is in the interest of African countries, unlike the colonial era,” he said.

As Biden’s tenure nears its conclusion, his visit cements Angola’s place in the broader U.S. strategy for Africa. The outcome of this renewed partnership, however, will depend on the commitment of future administrations to sustain these initiatives.

For Angola, the spotlight of a U.S. presidential visit signals a new chapter of global relevance—one rooted in resilience and opportunity.

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