Luanda, Angola – In the final months of his presidency, Joe Biden’s visit to Angola from 2 to 4 December 2024 is being hailed as a key moment in US-Angola relations. The trip underscores a deepening partnership, highlights significant economic investments, and positions Angola as a critical player in regional infrastructure and integration.
The visit comes at a time when bilateral trade between the two nations has reached $1.77 billion, placing Angola as the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Relations between the two countries have advanced markedly in recent years, driven by shared interests in economic development, regional stability, and global cooperation.
Biden’s visit is expected to consolidate pivotal projects, including the Lobito Corridor, an ambitious infrastructure initiative connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia. The project has attracted $5 billion in funding through multilateral partnerships, including support from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and African financial institutions.
The Lobito Corridor represents a transformative development model. Its scope includes the refurbishment of 1,300 kilometres of railway connecting the Port of Lobito to the DRC, along with the construction of 800 kilometres of new railway extending to Zambia. These improvements are set to reduce transit times from 45 days to under a week, boosting trade and regional connectivity. Complementary investments in clean energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure are expected to amplify the corridor’s economic and social impact.
Biden’s presence sends a strong message to international investors. Since the US-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, more than 80% of the $55 billion pledged for the continent has been mobilised. Angola has emerged as a significant recipient, with key investments including $2.5 billion in clean energy projects, encompassing solar, microgrid, and desalination initiatives. A $550 million funding allocation has also been made for railway infrastructure, while digital connectivity is being expanded through 5G networks in rural areas, led by Africell.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Angola as a hub for sustainable development, leveraging public-private partnerships to deliver long-term economic benefits.
Biden’s visit elevates Angola’s standing on the international stage. It highlights the country’s role as a regional leader, particularly in its efforts to mediate conflicts in the DRC and spearhead initiatives in climate resilience and economic integration. Angola’s growing prominence has drawn attention not only from the US but also from other global powers.
American investment is seen as a transparent and sustainable alternative to funding from nations such as China and Russia, whose practices have often faced criticism for lacking accountability. Frances Brown, Senior Director for African Affairs at the US National Security Council, emphasised that the US approach is about offering partners the tools to make sovereign decisions rather than forcing them into binary choices.
For Angola, the visit brings tangible benefits, including international recognition as a stable and strategic destination for global investment. It is expected to catalyse new projects in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, while also fostering capacity building through technology transfer and workforce training.
For the United States, the trip offers an opportunity to solidify Biden’s legacy in Africa. It ensures that strategic initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor are firmly embedded in the bilateral agenda, providing a stable foundation for the incoming administration. Strengthening partnerships in Angola also bolsters the US’s influence in a geopolitically critical region.
Biden’s visit, despite coming at the twilight of his presidency, signals a long-term commitment to fostering sustainable and transparent partnerships in Africa. By focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, and investment, both nations are poised to reap significant economic and diplomatic rewards.
This landmark visit not only reinforces the growing bond between Angola and the United States but also sets the stage for a future of mutual growth and prosperity. For Angola, it represents an opportunity to consolidate its role as a regional leader and attract the investment needed to drive its socio-economic transformation.
