As Donald Trump clinched victory in the US presidency, many in Africa pondered what could have been for Joe Biden, the outgoing President-elect.
Upon assuming office in 2020, Biden had pledged to prioritize the African continent, vowing to revive the US-Africa Summit that had faltered during the Covid-19 pandemic. His Africa strategy was centered around promoting democratic values, human rights, and green energy, while also aiming to counter Chinese influence and bolster business partnerships.
Despite these promises, both Biden and Trump never made official visits to Africa during their terms in office.
Recently, Biden has announced plans to visit Angola next month, following a postponement from an earlier scheduled trip in October. However, this visit may be perceived as symbolic, given the impending transition of power to the opposition party after Trump’s inauguration in January.
Biden’s agenda for the Angola visit includes discussions on shared values, although concrete agreements may not materialize during this transitional period.
Angola holds strategic importance in the US agenda, particularly as part of the Lobito Corridor initiative. This project aims to establish a rail network connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, linked to the port of Lobito, to counter China’s infrastructure investments in the region.
While some analysts speculate that Biden’s visit to Angola may lack substantial outcomes, there are differing opinions on the potential impact. Sampaio Mucanda, an opposition legislator, criticized the alliance between Biden and Angolan President Joao Lourenco, suggesting that the visit may serve political optics rather than substantive engagement.
During his first term, Trump’s administration was largely inward-focused, with limited engagement in Africa. In contrast, Biden hosted the US-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, signaling a renewed commitment to the continent.
Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo de Abreu, expressed optimism in maintaining strong economic ties with the US, despite uncertainties surrounding the transition of power. He emphasized the importance of economic cooperation over political considerations in bilateral relations.
Under the Lourenco administration, Angola has sought to diversify its partnerships, moving away from heavy dependence on Russia and China towards closer engagement with the US. This shift aligns with Biden’s vision of fostering strategic alliances in Africa.
The Lobito Corridor project has emerged as a focal point for US engagement in the region, presenting a competitive edge over Chinese and Russian interests. The US State Department has highlighted the corridor’s potential to drive economic development through investments in various sectors.
As anticipation builds for Biden’s upcoming visit to Angola, experts like Osvaldo Mboco believe that existing agreements are likely to be upheld, underscoring the significance of continued collaboration between the two nations.
In conclusion, while Biden’s presidency may have promised a new chapter in US-Africa relations, the realities of political transitions and global dynamics shape the trajectory of engagement with key African partners like Angola.
