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The China in Africa Podcast

Judd Devermont on the State of U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa

Oct 11, 2024
Judd Devermont, former senior director of African Affairs at the National Security Council and operating partner at Kupanda Capital, discusses the implications of President Biden's postponed trip to Angola. He highlights how this reflects on U.S.-Africa relations and contrasts U.S. approaches to infrastructure with China's Belt and Road Initiative. The conversation also delves into the need for local partnerships in projects like the Lobito Corridor and the importance of African nations in global governance amidst geopolitical tensions.
01:00:24

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The cancellation of President Biden's Angola trip underscores the perception that U.S.-Africa relations remain a lower priority compared to other regions.
  • The Lobito Corridor represents a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing regional economic integration while navigating the challenges of geopolitical competition with China.

Deep dives

Cancellation of Biden's Visit to Angola

U.S. President Joe Biden recently canceled his planned visit to Angola, which was highly anticipated as it would have marked his first trip to Africa as president. The cancellation was due to severe weather conditions in South Florida, specifically the approaching hurricanes, which necessitated his presence at home for disaster preparedness. This decision elicited mixed reactions from Angolans, who experienced a blend of disappointment and understanding, recognizing the unforeseen circumstances while lamenting the lost opportunity for bilateral engagement. There is concern about when a new date for the trip might be set, considering upcoming political challenges in the U.S. that could further delay such engagements.

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