US President Joe Biden has been promoting a U.S.-financed train line in Angola as part of his foreign policy agenda. The 800-mile railway project, known as the Lobito Corridor, aims to transport goods and critical minerals from Angola to the port city of Lobito. The project is funded in part by the United States and is expected to help diversify Africa’s economies.
Biden visited the project site on Wednesday, where he toured the rail line and emphasized its importance in expanding U.S. economic influence in Africa. He said the project would not only benefit African nations but also encourage manufacturers to build factories along the railway. The White House has announced $560 million in new funding for infrastructure projects along the railway.
However, some experts have questioned whether the United States will be able to compete with China for access to critical minerals in Africa. China has accumulated significant debt from Angola and currently controls most of the cobalt mining in Congo. Despite this, Biden’s administration remains committed to the project, which it sees as a key part of its strategy to expand U.S. influence in Africa.
African leaders have praised the project, with President João Lourenço of Angola saying it is a “milestone” for benefiting local economies. However, some officials have raised concerns about corruption and lack of transparency. The project’s future remains uncertain, but Biden has expressed his enthusiasm for trains and plans to return to the continent in the future.
The U.S.-Angola rail project marks an important milestone in Biden’s foreign policy agenda, which has been overshadowed by domestic issues such as his pardon of son Hunter Biden. Despite this, the administration remains committed to Africa, where it seeks to expand its influence and promote economic development.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/04/world/africa/biden-angola-africa-lobito-train-corridor.html