On December 3, 2024, President Biden of the United States made his first visit to the African country of Angola with the aim of promoting billions of dollars in investment in sub-Saharan African countries to counter China’s control over key resources in Africa.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Biden assured Angolan President Joao Lourenco that “the United States will fully support Africa.”
Lourenco described Biden’s visit as a crucial turning point in U.S.-Angolan relations, which have roots dating back to the Cold War era.
This trip is Biden’s first and final visit to Africa before the end of his term, demonstrating America’s commitment to Africa – including providing $3 billion for the redevelopment of the Lobito Atlantic Railway project, which will connect Zambia, Congo, and Angola.
This railway project across southern Africa aims to make the transportation of raw materials for electric vehicle batteries, electronic equipment, and clean energy technologies more efficient, and to promote American development in the region. The region is rich in crucial minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, electronic devices, and clean energy technologies.