In an effort to counter China’s growing influence on the African continent, President Joe Biden has pledged over $1 billion in humanitarian support for sub-Saharan African nations. The announcement was made during Biden’s visit to Angola, where he emphasized the United States’ commitment to providing aid and development assistance to those in need.
Biden’s pledge comes at a time when the number of displaced people across Africa has significantly increased, with data showing a sixfold rise from 2009 to 2023. In Angola alone, 79,000 people were displaced by natural disasters last year.
During his visit, Biden also met with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss infrastructure and development projects in the region. One such project is the Lobito Corridor railway, which aims to connect the Atlantic port city to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, key areas for mining critical minerals like copper and cobalt.
The United States has committed $3 billion to the railway project as part of its efforts to counter China’s influence in Africa. With China currently dominating the cobalt market in Congo, Biden’s administration aims to establish a stronger presence and influence in the region by supporting infrastructure projects and fostering partnerships with African nations.
Biden emphasized the importance of moving towards a partnership model with African countries, highlighting the mutual benefits that such collaborations can bring. The railway project in Angola is hailed as the largest American rail investment outside of the United States, symbolizing the commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap for the benefit of all involved parties.
Overall, Biden’s visit to Angola and his pledge of humanitarian support demonstrate the United States’ strategic approach to countering China’s influence in Africa while promoting development and stability in the region.
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