President Joe Biden has announced a bold $600 million investment to expand the Lobito Corridor railway project in Africa, marking a significant step in the United States' efforts to deepen ties with the continent. Speaking in Angola on Wednesday, Biden called the initiative a game-changer for Africa's economic future, declaring, "Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future."
The Lobito Corridor railway, spanning over 800 miles through Zambia, Congo, and Angola, aims to expedite the transport of critical minerals like cobalt and copper, essential for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. Biden emphasized the transformative impact of the project, noting that goods that once took 45 days to reach global markets could now arrive in less than 45 hours. This initiative, he added, could help turn the region into a food exporter, reversing its dependency on imports.
The United States has already committed $4 billion to the corridor, which Biden described as the largest U.S. investment in an international railway project. The initiative is supported by a coalition of international partners, including the European Union, the Group of Seven industrialized nations, and African financial institutions.
Angola's President João Lourenço called the project "historic," while Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema hailed it as a monumental opportunity. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi echoed these sentiments, predicting the railway would create millions of jobs and permanently alter the region's economic trajectory.
The project also represents a strategic move by the U.S. to counter China's growing influence in Africa. Over the past decade, Beijing has established itself as a dominant force in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative, which has financed numerous infrastructure projects, including railways. China recently announced a $1 billion investment to revamp the TAZARA railway linking Zambia to Tanzania, seen by analysts as a direct response to the Lobito Corridor.
A senior U.S. official said the Lobito Corridor embodies Washington's strategy to challenge China-not as a political adversary but as an economic competitor. The official noted that the U.S. approach focuses on creating sustainable, locally beneficial projects rather than relying solely on foreign aid.
Biden's announcement comes amid escalating trade tensions with China over access to rare minerals crucial for emerging technologies. By enhancing the region's infrastructure, the U.S. aims to secure reliable supply chains for these critical resources while fostering economic growth in Africa.
However, the Lobito Corridor faces significant challenges. The railway will take years to complete, with much of the work likely occurring under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in January. While the project has bipartisan support in Congress, its success will require sustained political and financial commitment across multiple administrations.
Biden's visit to Africa-his first as president-has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue that his engagement comes late in his term and may not be enough to counter China's entrenched presence. Michelle Gavin, a former adviser on Africa to President Obama, questioned whether a single project could adequately address the continent's infrastructure needs. "It's one project. It's one good idea. And I'm very glad we're doing it. But it's not enough," she said.
Despite these concerns, Biden remains optimistic about the initiative's potential to reshape Africa's economic landscape. Addressing African leaders before departing, he pledged continued U.S. support for the continent's development and expressed his hope to one day ride the completed railway.
