U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up his visit to Angola on Wednesday with a pivotal roundtable discussion in Lobito, spotlighting the Lobito Corridor railway project—a key U.S.-backed initiative aimed at revitalizing regional trade. The project focuses on modernizing an 800-mile (1,287-kilometer) rail network that connects Angola’s Atlantic coast to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, enhancing the transport of essential minerals such as copper and cobalt. These minerals are critical for the global shift towards clean energy.
Joined by Angolan President João Lourenço, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Biden emphasized the importance of international collaboration. The leaders discussed the potential of the Lobito Corridor to drive economic integration, foster regional stability, and contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies.
During the roundtable, Biden called for continued cooperation among nations to ensure the success of projects that prioritize environmental sustainability, worker welfare, and community well-being. He highlighted the role of the Lobito Corridor as a symbol of the growing partnership between the U.S. and Africa. Reflecting on the two nations’ shared history, Biden remarked on how Angola and the U.S. have transformed their relationship, moving from Cold War adversaries to partners focused on shared prosperity.
President Tshisekedi praised the initiative as a “model for regional integration,” recognizing the corridor’s potential to foster economic opportunities across the region. Meanwhile, President Lourenço hailed the project as a symbol of unity, urging further collaboration with other African partners to replicate its success. President Hichilema stressed the significance of the corridor in connecting African economies to the global marketplace, asserting that such partnerships are crucial not only for Africa but for the entire world.
The Lobito Corridor, which aims to reduce transportation times and boost economic growth, is viewed as a game-changer for regional trade. It offers an alternative to other global infrastructure initiatives and is expected to set a precedent for similar projects across Africa, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and international investment.
As Biden concluded his visit, he reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Africa’s development. He stressed the importance of working together to build a future that benefits both Africa and the global community.