AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The China in Africa Podcast
China, the U.S., and the Competition for Africa’s Strategic Resources
Mar 13, 2025
Marisa Lourenço, a political analyst based in Johannesburg, dives into the geopolitical tug-of-war over Southern Africa's resources. She discusses the strategic significance of the Lobito Corridor project and the rivalry between the U.S. and China. The podcast also highlights Zambia and the DRC's complex mineral agreements, detailing local refining initiatives and security concerns. Additionally, Lourenço examines South Africa's diplomatic relations, the influence of technology like Starlink, and the broader impact of foreign interests on African conflicts.
55:05
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Lobito Corridor Project highlights the geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and China for influence over Southern Africa's infrastructure and resources.
- The DRC's negotiation for a minerals-for-security deal with the U.S. underscores how African countries leverage natural resources in international relations.
Deep dives
Lobito Corridor Development Project
The Lobito Corridor Development Project involves a collaboration between Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to revitalize an important railway corridor. This initiative aims to enhance trade capacity and improve infrastructure in a region historically hindered by civil unrest. Since the Angolan Civil War ended in 2002, efforts have been made to rehabilitate the Benguela Railway, critical for transporting minerals from Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic ports. However, significant challenges remain concerning financing, governmental cooperation, and geopolitical interests, particularly with the recent changes in U.S. foreign policy.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode