US President Joe Biden is set to visit Angola from December 2-4, marking his first Africa trip as president and one of his final international engagements before leaving office. The visit comes shortly after the US Presidential election and rubberstamping economic cooperation projects seems a priority.
Joe Biden’s Visit to Angola: A Strategic Move
Context
US President Joe Biden is set to visit Angola from December 2-4, marking his first Africa trip as president and one of his final international engagements before leaving office.
Economic Cooperation
Angola hosts several significant current and future projects with American involvement, including the construction and running of an oil refinery in Soyo, northern Angola. The development of the so-called Lobito Corridor is the biggest project, which involves the development of a rail link between Lobito on Angola’s Atlantic coast, the Copperbelt in Zambia, and the cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor is part of the American Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), which many see as a reaction to China’s famed Belt and Road infrastructure program. The corridor aims to connect central Africa with an Atlantic port, securing links to resources and markets.
Angola’s Debt to China
Angola owes China around $25 billion, the most of any African country. Contractually, Angola must settle its debts with China, preferably in oil deliveries.
Strategic Significance
The visit comes shortly after the US Presidential election and rubberstamping economic cooperation projects seems a priority. Analysts have noted that the timing is no coincidence and that the development of the Lobito Corridor is part of the American Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), which many see as a reaction to China’s famed Belt and Road infrastructure program.
Quotes
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“This trip is the result of years of diplomatic efforts from Angola’s president,” said Angolan political analyst Claudio Silva. “This is a win for [Angolan] President Joao Lourenco, who for years has been striving for more international recognition. It’s time to reap what he sowed.”
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“The Americans don’t want to give up the region’s valuable resources to the Chinese. But the question is if they can even match the Chinese, who have invested in the region for decades and have a massive advantage,” said Claudio Silva.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s visit to Angola marks a significant development in US-Angola relations and demonstrates the strategic importance of the country in the region. The Lobito Corridor project is a key component of this relationship, aiming to connect central Africa with an Atlantic port and securing links to resources and markets.
Background and Context
Economic Cooperation and Infrastructure Development
Geopolitical Importance
Angola is aware of its geopolitical importance but has not always been easy negotiating with various partners. Analysts have noted that President Joao Lourenco skipped the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation summit in September, sending his foreign minister to Beijing instead.
Military Bases and US Interests
There are plans to establish a network of US military bases in the South Atlantic, with Angola being part of this network. The plan is to secure links to resources and markets.
Debt and Economic Tensions
US-China Competition in Africa
The Lobito Corridor seeks to connect central Africa to the Atlantic, while China is building a new line to the Indian Ocean. This marks a tug-of-war between the two superpowers for influence and resources on the continent.
Key Points
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The country hosts several significant projects with American involvement, including the Lobito Corridor.
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The US and China are engaged in a tug-of-war for influence and resources on the continent.
