Why It Matters?
President Joe Biden’s visit to Africa marks the first time that a U.S. president has visited since Barack Obama in 2015. The trip is seen as a late-term effort to counter China's growing economic influence and fulfill promises made during Biden’s presidency.
Biden’s Journey: Key Stops and Historical Significance
Cabo Verde and Angola: Biden's trip included Cabo Verde, a stable democracy and U.S. ally in West Africa, and Angola, an oil-rich nation and emerging partner. This is the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to either country.
Shared History: In Angola, Biden will visit the National Slavery Museum, highlighting historical ties through the trans-Atlantic slave trade, which saw many enslaved Africans transported to the U.S.
Major Announcements and Initiatives
The Lobito Corridor: A centerpiece of Biden’s Angola visit is the announcement of progress on the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor, a 1,300-kilometer rail line connecting Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
Why it’s important: The corridor facilitates the export of cobalt and copper, critical minerals for renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Investment: The U.S. has mobilized over $4 billion in public and private funding for the project, presenting it as a key policy achievement amid global competition for Africa’s resources.
Challenges to U.S. Engagement with Africa
Falling Short on Promises: Despite Biden’s pledge to center Africa in U.S. foreign policy, some commitments remain unmet:
Africa has not gained a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.
Promised reforms of global institutions like the World Bank and the U.N. are still pending.
China’s Lead: Analysts note that China has solidified its position as a dominant economic partner in Africa, building long-term trade and infrastructure ties. The U.S., by contrast, has historically focused on aid and humanitarian efforts.
Controversy and Timing
Political Backdrop: Biden’s visit comes during the final months of his term and shortly after pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, for legal convictions—a move that has drawn domestic criticism.
Strategic Messaging: Some analysts, like Georgetown University’s Ken Opalo, argue the timing reflects Africa's perceived lack of strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy.
What’s Next?
Uncertain Future: With former President Donald Trump poised to return to office, U.S.-Africa relations could shift. Experts predict that the Trump administration might prioritize economic investments over humanitarian aid.
Legacy of Biden’s Africa Policy: While Biden’s administration raised expectations for African representation in global governance, the results remain mixed. Analysts suggest that his Africa policy will likely be remembered more for its ambitions than its outcomes.
The Bottom Line
President Biden’s visit highlights both opportunities and challenges in U.S.-Africa relations. While the Lobito Corridor signals potential progress, long-standing promises and competition with China loom large over the legacy of his Africa policy.
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