On a significant last outing as the leader of the United States, President Joe Biden chose to focus on the Lobito Corridor railway project in Angola, a key initiative aimed at bolstering economic influence in Africa. The 800-mile railway, partially financed by the U.S., runs from Angola’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Lobito Port, opening pathways for essential goods and minerals to be transported more effectively.
Biden's Last Foreign Visit Highlights U.S.-Africa Ties through Rail Development
Biden's Last Foreign Visit Highlights U.S.-Africa Ties through Rail Development
In a bid to reshape economic ties with Africa, President Biden showcased a pivotal railway project on his final overseas visit as president.
During his visit to the Lobito Port Terminal, Biden expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I’m coming back to ride on the train from end to end," underlining his commitment to infrastructural development and economic partnerships in Africa. This initiative aims to alleviate concerns about U.S. economic engagement in the region, especially as China's influence grows.
The Lobito Corridor is projected to enhance Angola's connectivity with neighboring markets, particularly Zambia, while also facilitating easier access to critical minerals such as copper and cobalt. These minerals are essential for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and various electronic devices, aligning with U.S. efforts to diversify supply chains amid global shifts in resource availability.
By promoting such projects, Biden hopes to leave a significant mark on U.S.-Africa relations, addressing past neglect and positioning America as a proactive player in the continent's future growth.
The Lobito Corridor is projected to enhance Angola's connectivity with neighboring markets, particularly Zambia, while also facilitating easier access to critical minerals such as copper and cobalt. These minerals are essential for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and various electronic devices, aligning with U.S. efforts to diversify supply chains amid global shifts in resource availability.
By promoting such projects, Biden hopes to leave a significant mark on U.S.-Africa relations, addressing past neglect and positioning America as a proactive player in the continent's future growth.
