US-Angola Relations and the Lobito Corridor

US President Joe Biden's visit to Angola emphasizes strengthening bilateral ties and advancing the Lobito Corridor project, a crucial railway system designed to enhance mineral transportation between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative is particularly significant for copper producers in the Colwesi region, dramatically reducing transport times from several weeks to merely days. Funded by multiple sources, including the US and the EU, the project represents a shift in Angola's international relationships, moving away from its historically close ties with China. The visit signals US intentions to compete with China’s influence in Africa, highlighting Angola's desire to diversify its economic partnerships.