Biden's Upcoming Visit to Angola: Strengthening Ties with a Changing Leadership

In a significant shift from the past, Angola's President João Lourenço has been actively seeking to forge greater ties with the United States since his inauguration seven years ago. His endeavors culminate in President Biden's upcoming visit, which marks the first time a sitting U.S. president will journey to Angola, an oil-rich nation positioned along the Atlantic Ocean. This visit is poised to highlight Biden's commitment to investing in Africa, particularly through the Lobito Corridor railway—an ambitious 800-mile project that aims to facilitate the transportation of crucial minerals for clean energy. Moreover, this initiative intends to draw private investments and promote broader economic growth in Angola, while countering China's extensive investments in the region.

In a recent dialogue at the presidential palace in Luanda, Lourenço expressed his optimism regarding Biden's visit and the potential for collaboration. He noted the importance of establishing a partnership that encourages U.S. investments in Angola, as well as creating avenues for Angolan investment heading into the U.S. market. Lourenço conveyed a proactive stance, suggesting that regardless of future political shifts in the U.S., especially with Donald J. Trump set to take office soon, Angola remains committed to strengthening its relationship with America.

Lourenço stated, "We want to have U.S. investment coming to Angola and also having the U.S. market as a destination of Angolan investment. And for such, of course, we need to take this step." As Angola prepares to welcome Biden, the country's leadership clearly hopes to solidify a partnership that transcends partisan politics and aims for mutual economic benefit.