LOBITO, Angola – U.S. President Joe Biden concluded his Africa trip on Wednesday by visiting the Angolan port city of Lobito, where he highlighted plans to extend a critical railway that could facilitate the transport of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to global markets.
The project, backed by a $550-million U.S. loan, aims to refurbish a 1,300-kilometer railway running from Lobito to the mineral-rich region of Congo. It is part of the first phase of the Lobito corridor initiative. While no completion date has been set, the plan includes future phases to extend the railway network through Tanzania, potentially opening up a competing route to China.
Biden emphasized the United States’ long-term commitment to Africa, framing the railway initiative as part of a broader effort to bolster Africa’s economic development “on Africa’s terms.”
U.S. Investments in African Infrastructure
During his visit, U.S. officials announced an additional $600 million in funding through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation for projects related to solar energy, minerals, and telecommunications along the corridor. Biden described the investments as a testament to U.S. partnership with Africa.
Despite these commitments, critics have pointed out that U.S. influence in Africa has waned under Biden’s administration. The U.S. has lost strategic military assets in the Sahel and struggled to counter China’s dominance in Africa’s critical mineral markets, which are vital for national security and renewable energy technologies.
Angola’s Growing Shift Toward the West
President Biden’s visit to Angola comes as the nation strengthens ties with Western powers. Angola, historically aligned with China and Russia, has shown interest in expanding collaboration with the United States, particularly in security and military areas, according to Angolan President João Lourenço.
The railway project is supported by international firms, including Trafigura, Portuguese construction company Mota-Engil, and railway operator Vecturis.
As Biden’s presidency nears its end, questions remain about the continuation of U.S. support for the project under President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to adopt a more confrontational stance toward China.
The Lobito corridor is seen as a critical effort to diversify Africa’s mineral export routes and reduce dependency on China, but some experts worry that competing routes may undermine the broader vision for regional connectivity.