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(Ecofin Agency) – Strengthening bilateral relations, advancing infrastructure projects, and transitioning to clean energy will take center stage in discussions between the American president and his Angolan counterpart.
President Joe Biden will visit Angola from October 13 to 15 to enhance economic relations and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to Africa. The announcement came from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday, September 24.
During the visit, President Biden will meet with Angolan President João Lourenço. They will discuss ways to boost collaboration on shared priorities, including strengthening economic partnerships that keep American businesses competitive and protect workers.
The talks will also focus on the Lobito Corridor project. This initiative aims to create a network of ports and railways connecting copper and cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia to regional and global markets through the port of Lobito in Angola.
This “advances our joint vision for Africa’s first trans-continental open-access rail network that starts in Lobito and ultimately will connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean,” the White House emphasized. The project has received significant financial support from Washington in recent months. It is part of the Global Partnership for Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), a large program launched by the G7 to aid developing countries, aimed as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Biden is also expected to discuss strengthening democracy and civic engagement, boosting action on climate security, transitioning to clean energy, and improving peace and security.
Jean-Pierre noted that Biden’s visit to Luanda highlights the ongoing commitment of the United States to its African partners. It shows that collaborative efforts to address common challenges benefit both the American people and the entire African continent.
After focusing diplomatic efforts on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, where a violent conflict is occurring between Israel and Hamas, the United States seems to be refocusing on Africa. This comes as Russia and China are making significant gains on the continent through various engagements.
At the U.S.-Africa Summit held in December 2022, President Biden pledged to invest $55 billion in Africa over three years, breaking from the previous administration’s disinterest in the continent.
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