Joe Biden’s Angola visit targets multinational railway project

US President Joe Biden has embarked on his long-awaited first visit to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency, arriving in Angola amid uncertainty over the future of US-Africa relations, as former President Donald Trump prepares to run again in the upcoming elections. Biden’s visit focuses on trade and heavy investment in infrastructure, particularly in Angola’s oil-rich regions, with analysts suggesting that this move is aimed at countering China’s growing influence on the continent.

During his time in Angola, Biden has become the first US president in nearly a decade to visit sub-Saharan Africa. One of the key highlights of his trip is the revitalization of a railroad linking an Angolan port to copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the project being funded by the US government.

This infrastructure upgrade is seen as a significant step in enhancing economic ties between the US and the African continent. Moreover, RFI reports that the first phase of the project, which involves rehabilitating the track between Angola’s coast and the Congolese border, has been completed. The second phase, which aims to extend the line by 800 kilometers to connect with Zambia, has completed its feasibility studies.

Officials suggest that Biden’s visit may lead to new announcements regarding the next steps for the project. It has already expanded beyond rail infrastructure to encompass road networks, mobile phone coverage, and renewable energy development.