Biden visits Angola: US-backed railway project competes with Chinese influence
US President makes key stop in Angola to support major railway infrastructure linking mineral-rich regions to Atlantic coast. The visit focuses on economic partnerships while facing media questions about recent family matters
Joe Biden arrived in Angola this monday for a two-day visit thats part of his sub-saharan Africa commitment. The trip highlights US interest in the mega-sized Lobito railway project which connects mineral-rich regions to Atlantic shores
The presidents focus got side-tracked by questions about his sons recent pardon – a topic that reporters kept bringing up during the flight to Luanda. Karine Jean-Pierre the press secretary stuck to repeating Bidens earlier statement on this matter
The Lobito Corridor project (which got $550-million in US backing) links Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to Angolas port: its seen as a game-changer for mineral transport in the region. The 800-mile railway network aims to speed-up copper and cobalt exports – materials that are super-important for making modern electronics
John Kirby the national security spokesperson made it clear: “Were not starting any cold war here or asking countries to pick sides between us China and Russia“. He pointed out that many african nations need better investment choices because they got stuck with unreliable deals and lots of debt
The project brings together some big-time players:
- Global trader Trafigura
- Construction company Mota-Engil
- Rail experts Vecturis
During his stay Biden will meet with President Joao Lourenco and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia – plus check out the slavery museum and Lobito facilities. The timing is interesting since China just made deals with Tanzania and Zambia few months back for their own railway line to africas east coast
