Biden’s Strategic Push in Africa: A Counterweight to China and Beyond

As his presidency nears its conclusion, Joe Biden’s recent trip to Africa reflects a deliberate effort to leave a geopolitical legacy. Central to his visit is the spotlight on Angola’s Lobito Corridor, a significant infrastructure initiative under the U.S.-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI). This visit not only underscores America’s strategic interest in Africa but also serves as a counterbalance to China’s entrenched influence on the continent. With Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025, the question remains whether these efforts will gain continuity under his administration.

The Lobito Corridor: A Symbol of U.S. Commitment

The Lobito Corridor is the centerpiece of Biden’s Africa strategy. This ambitious infrastructure project connects Angola’s Lobito port on the Atlantic coast to the resource-rich Copperbelt region spanning Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Utilizing the Benguela Railway, the corridor aims to facilitate the transportation of copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals to global markets while bypassing traditional Chinese-controlled trade routes to the Indian Ocean.

The project’s scale and ambition underscore its importance. With a planned 550 kilometers of new railway in Zambia and 260 kilometers of roadways, the Lobito Corridor reflects a multilateral approach, involving partnerships with the European Union, African Development Bank, and other stakeholders. The U.S. hopes this $1.6 billion project will serve as a blueprint for future collaborations in Africa.

Countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Since the launch of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, Beijing has secured a dominant position in African infrastructure development. Over the past decade, China has invested billions of dollars in railways, ports, and energy projects across the continent. Angola alone owes China around $25 billion, much of it tied to infrastructure projects funded through oil-backed loans.

In contrast, the U.S. approach under the PGI aims to offer more transparent and sustainable financing alternatives. The U.S. has committed to mobilizing $600 billion by 2027 in partnership with G7 nations, focusing on infrastructure that adheres to environmental and social governance standards. However, the scale of Chinese investments, totaling $679 billion globally from 2013 to 2021, dwarfs current U.S. commitments.

Biden’s focus on the Lobito Corridor reflects an attempt to match China’s strategic ambitions while addressing African concerns about debt dependency and environmental sustainability. If successful, the corridor could redefine trade dynamics by creating an alternative route to the Atlantic, countering China’s well-established Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which connects the region to the Indian Ocean.

Broader U.S. Engagement in Africa

Biden’s African initiatives extend beyond infrastructure. His administration launched a comprehensive Africa strategy in 2022, emphasizing the region’s significance to U.S. national security and global economic interests. A $55 billion investment commitment was made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, covering sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and technology.

While some of these investments build on existing programs, the lack of visible, large-scale projects comparable to China’s has been a point of critique. The Lobito Corridor stands out as a tangible example of what U.S. investment can achieve, potentially serving as a model for future endeavors.

Additionally, Biden’s visit highlights the importance of multilateralism. The corridor’s development involves collaboration with European partners and institutions like the African Development Bank. Such partnerships not only enhance project credibility but also align with Africa’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development.

Challenges and the Role of Donald Trump

Despite its potential, the U.S. faces significant challenges in Africa. China’s long-standing partnerships, economic leverage, and ability to deliver projects quickly give it a substantial advantage. Angola’s geopolitical balancing act—maintaining ties with China, Russia, and the U.S.—further complicates American efforts.

As Trump prepares to assume office, the future of Biden’s Africa strategy remains uncertain. During his previous administration, Trump launched initiatives like Prosper Africa and the Blue Dot Network, aimed at fostering transparent and sustainable investments. However, his “America First” doctrine often deprioritized long-term international commitments.

Analysts argue that bipartisan support for countering China might drive Trump to continue some of Biden’s initiatives. Prosper Africa, for example, could align with Trump’s focus on boosting U.S. businesses abroad, while the Blue Dot Network’s emphasis on infrastructure standards might appeal to his transactional approach to diplomacy.

Africa’s Strategic Importance

Africa’s abundant resources, growing markets, and geopolitical significance make it a critical arena for global competition. The Lobito Corridor’s focus on critical minerals like cobalt and copper highlights the continent’s role in the global transition to renewable energy. Securing access to these resources is essential for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Moreover, Angola’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast positions it as a key partner in U.S. efforts to enhance its presence in the region. Reports of increased military cooperation between the U.S. and Angola, including potential plans for a military base in Soyo, underscore the broader geostrategic dimensions of Biden’s Africa policy.

Conclusion

Biden’s visit to Africa and the promotion of the Lobito Corridor mark a significant step in the U.S.’s efforts to counter China’s dominance on the continent. While the project’s success will depend on sustained investment and collaboration, it offers a glimpse into how the U.S. can position itself as a credible alternative in Africa.

As Trump prepares to take the helm, the continuity of these efforts will be crucial. Africa’s strategic importance demands a consistent and forward-looking approach, one that balances immediate U.S. interests with the long-term aspirations of its African partners. Whether Trump will embrace this vision remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid by Biden has set the stage for a deeper U.S.-Africa partnership.