Luanda, Angola – President Joe Biden embarked on a trip to Angola on December 1, fulfilling his promise to visit Africa during his presidency and spotlighting a major US-backed railway project aimed at reducing China’s dominance over critical minerals in the region.
The Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR) project, partly funded by a $550 million (S$736 million) US loan, seeks to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola’s Lobito port on the Atlantic Ocean. The railway will provide an efficient export route for essential minerals like copper and cobalt, crucial for batteries and electronics, to Western markets.
China, a dominant player in the Congo mining sector, has raised concerns in Washington about its influence. Beijing recently signed an agreement with Tanzania and Zambia to revive a rival railway to Africa’s eastern coast, intensifying competition in the region.
While Biden’s visit marks an effort to strengthen ties with Angola, officials close to former President Donald Trump predict he will continue supporting the railway project and Angola when he returns to the White House in January, should his election be confirmed.
“This project addresses two key priorities: countering China and Russia’s influence and securing access to critical minerals,” said Mr. Tibor Nagy, a former US envoy to Africa.
The railway is backed by global firms Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis, with plans to refurbish a 1,300-kilometer rail network. A potential second phase aims to connect the line to Tanzania, creating a transcontinental route.
During his visit, Biden will meet with Cape Verde’s president, visit Angola’s slavery museum in Luanda, and tour the Lobito port on December 4. His administration views the railway as a test case for public-private partnerships in Africa, hoping it will encourage further infrastructure investments.
Angola, historically aligned with China and Russia, has been moving closer to the West. Angola’s Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu emphasized the need for diversified partnerships, stating, “China gained prominence because Western countries have not paid enough attention to Africa.”
Critics question the project’s timeline and feasibility, but US officials argue it reflects growing ties with Angola and a commitment to infrastructure development. Mr. Judd Devermont, Biden’s former Africa adviser, noted that Congo is eager to reduce its reliance on China for mining partnerships.
“This project benefits everyone by improving connectivity across the continent,” he said, highlighting its potential to diversify trade and mineral exports.
The Biden administration hopes the Lobito project will mark the start of deeper economic and security collaboration with Angola, though challenges remain in realizing its broader goals for Africa.