Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden visited Angola this week, fulfilling a long-standing promise to visit Africa before the conclusion of his term. Over the course of his three-day trip, Biden met with Angolan President João Lourenço to reiterate his “All in Africa” pledge, which seeks to strengthen trade relations and foster investment between the United States and African nations. However, the visit has highlighted the complexities and challenges surrounding U.S. commitments on the continent, particularly in Angola.
Central to Biden’s visit was the Lobito Corridor, an ambitious infrastructure project encompassing over 2,000 kilometres of railway, linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. This network includes the 1,344-kilometre Benguela Railway and a proposed new railway extending into northern Zambia. The U.S. has aligned itself with the project through the Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) partnership, with plans to invest heavily in a European consortium awarded a long-term concession to develop and operate the corridor.
Despite the grand vision, the project’s execution has been fraught with challenges. The consortium, which includes Portugal’s Mota-Engil and Switzerland’s Trafigura, initially hesitated to proceed after reassessing the commercial value of the corridor. This delay prompted the Biden administration to adopt the project as a showcase of its commitment to African infrastructure. By mid-2023, the U.S. government announced significant investment in the corridor, framing it as a pivotal component of its Africa policy.
However, doubts about the project’s financial and logistical viability have persisted. A report by Africa Intelligence earlier this year revealed that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), tasked with financing the initiative, expressed concerns over the economic justification for constructing a new railway line between Angola and Zambia. The DFC suggested that rehabilitating existing lines in Angola and the DRC would be far less expensive.
While Angola’s oil wealth and geographical position make it a valuable partner, its relationship with the United States has been historically limited. Few American companies have ventured into Angola’s infrastructure, agriculture, or industrial sectors. The Lobito Corridor represents a rare instance of large-scale U.S. involvement, though questions remain about whether this marks a genuine shift in strategy or a temporary political gesture.
Biden’s investment pledge of $4 billion comes as U.S.-Africa trade figures reveal a declining trajectory. In 2023, U.S. exports to Angola dropped by 8.8%, while imports from Angola fell by 26.8% compared to the previous year. These figures underscore the limited scope of bilateral trade despite high-profile commitments.
Criticism of U.S. engagements in Angola has not been limited to trade. Angolan congressman José Semedo recently accused Western companies, including U.S. firms, of profiting under the guise of humanitarian activities such as mine clearance. Writing for Angola24Horas, he alleged that despite significant financial resources and publicised achievements, landmines continue to pose a deadly threat to Angolans.
The Lobito Corridor, while promising, has become emblematic of the challenges facing U.S.-Africa partnerships. With concerns over its feasibility and sustainability, any disruption to the project would disproportionately affect African nations relying on infrastructure development to unlock economic potential. For Angola, this project remains a test of whether foreign partnerships can deliver tangible benefits amidst competing geopolitical interests.
Biden’s visit, while symbolic, underscores the enduring complexities of U.S. engagement with Africa. The Lobito Corridor may represent a step forward, but its success depends on sustained commitment beyond political timelines and the willingness to prioritise African needs over broader economic interests.
