Angola Railway Holds Strategic Importance for US Economy – Analyst

An economic analyst highlights the strategic significance of Angola’s railway system in bolstering US trade and supply chain connections in Africa.

This week, President Joe Biden is set to embark on his highly anticipated visit to Africa, where he will highlight a US-supported railway project spanning three countries.

Biden’s three-day visit to Angola begins on Monday, focusing on advancing the Lobito Corridor project in Zambia, Congo, and Angola. This initiative is part of his strategy to counter China’s influence and dominance over Africa’s vital mineral resources.

E.D. Wala Chabala, an independent consultant specializing in economic policy and strategy, suggests that if the U.S. takes a leading position in the green economy, it is likely to sustain its global leadership within the international economy.

“If they fail to maintain that, one could argue that the Chinese might likely step in and surpass the US economy,” said Chabala.

Biden’s visit fulfills his promise to travel to Africa during his presidency, although it occurs at the end of his term. The continuation of the Lobito project now relies on Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

Some analysts suggest that it could align with Trump’s strategy to counter China.

Chabala stated that from the perspective of both the US and EU, lacking access to critical minerals for the green economy would cause them to fall behind in efforts to advance global environmental initiatives. Consequently, they view the Lobito Corridor as a crucial gateway for accessing essential minerals from Congo and Zambia.

After revitalizing the US-Africa Summit in December 2022 for the first time in almost ten years, Biden pledged to visit Africa.

The trip was postponed to 2024 and further delayed in October due to Hurricane Milton, which reinforced the belief among Africans that their continent is not a high priority for the United States.

Nevertheless, many remain optimistic that the Lobito project—considered one of Biden’s key initiatives—will endure a change in administration because it partially counteracts China’s influence.