Fatshimetrie is an internationally renowned virtual media outlet known for its in-depth coverage of events in Africa. In a recent report, attention focused on President Joe Biden’s highly anticipated visit to Africa, to highlight a U.S.-backed transnational railway project spanning Zambia, Congo, and Angola.
The initiative is gaining particular momentum under the Biden administration, reminiscent of a strategic shift to counter China’s influence, particularly in the field of critical minerals in Africa. According to E.D. Wala Chabala, an independent economic policy consultant, the stakes are crucial for the United States’ position in the emerging green economy. A confirmed lead in this sector could give it global leadership, while a slowdown could pave the way for China to take the lead.
The long-planned presidential visit fulfills a campaign promise by Biden, although its timing at the end of his term raises questions about the continuity of the Lobito project under the incoming Donald Trump administration. However, some analysts see the project as a possible alignment with Trump’s vision to counter China’s influence.
The Lobito Corridor railway project thus emerges as a centerpiece of Biden’s strategic initiatives in Africa, seeking an alternative to China’s growing influence. Its prominence during this trip raises expectations that it will continue beyond the presidential terms, reinforcing the idea of a renewed US interest in the African continent.
At the same time, hopes for fruitful cooperation between the United States and Africa to promote sustainable development and access to key resources for the green economy are being revived. The transnational railway project is emerging as a strategic lever in the race to exploit critical minerals from Congo and Zambia, offering the prospect of a mutually beneficial and sustainable economic partnership for both parties.
Thus, the presidential visit to Africa and the promotion of the Lobito Corridor railway project open new perspectives for the African continent, while marking a significant step in relations between the United States and Africa. This promising initiative seems to offer an unprecedented opportunity for cooperation and development, driven by a common vision of shared prosperity and sustainable economic growth.