US president heads to Africa for first time to check out game-changing railway deal
After waiting almost whole presidency **Joe Biden** finally visits African nations this December. His trip focuses on big railway project that connects three mineral-rich countries
In december 2024 Joe Biden makes his first-ever trip to Africa as president (which he put off until near the end of his term). The visit centers around a major rail-project that links three countries together
The US-backed Lobito Corridor railway connects Zambia‚ Congo and Angola; this transportation link aims to boost Americas presence in the region. The project serves as a counter-move to Chinas growing influence in African nations
The railway runs through areas that have lots of important minerals needed for modern tech - like stuff used in electric-car batteries and clean-energy equipment. These resources are super-valuable for US companies that make batteries phones and green-tech products
- Zambia: copper and cobalt mining
- Congo: rare earth minerals
- Angola: transportation hub access
The timing of Bidens visit shows how US is trying to build stronger connections in Africa - especially in places with resources that America needs for its tech industry. The railway project represents a new-style partnership between the US and African nations
