Biden Agrees to Give More Funds to a Multi-Country Rail Project in Africa

Joe Biden went on a visit to sub-Saharan Africa and used his last day to go to Angola. He traveled to Lobito’s coast and toured an Atlantic port terminal, which is a section of the Lobito Corridor railway, a project that is being redeveloped.

The American president, whose term comes to an end in January, wanted to help advance a project that involves extending a railway that would ease the transportation of minerals from Zambia and Congo. These minerals are necessary for electric vehicle batteries and other batteries used by various electronic devices.

This project is believed to be the most significant investment made by the US on a project outside the States. It will take several years to complete the 1,200 miles of train lines, but it’ll benefit the parties involved as they will counter Chinese influence in the area. However, the entire deal is uncertain, considering that Donald Trump will take over the White House in January.

What Is the Lobito Corridor Project?

The Lobito Corridor project is a railway plan to revitalize 1,200 miles of railways connecting Zambia and Congo to Angola, making mineral transport easier. This can help gain access to materials used in batteries and clean energy technologies.

President Joe Biden went to Africa to visit the railway, and realized how important it is from a strategic standpoint. Knowing that the US and its allies have invested in this project before, he also decided to give an extra $600 million toward the railway development.

China has a significant influence in the area, as it conducts mining in Zambia and Congo. However, with this new plan, China’s cloud can be countered. Still, Biden declared that investment is not a way to confront China; it would rather help ensure long-term economic partnerships while allowing infrastructure to develop.

Why Is This Project Beneficial for both Africa and the US?

Angola is rich in minerals like lithium and cobalt, which are used to make electric vehicle batteries. It also has oil resources. Zambia is a copper-rich region, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also has lithium, copper, and cobalt mines. Many of these minerals can be transported to the United States and Europe through the Lobito Corridor.

This can be useful for businesses that utilize these resources, building a stronger future. Now, it takes 45 days for cargo to reach the US as trucks have to go through South Africa. With the project progressing, the resources would only take 45 hours to reach US soil.

“This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people,” said Félix Tshisekedi, President of Congo.

Many believe that this will create a new US-Africa partnership. The outcome of this plan depends on the Trump administration. The White House stated that the Republicans have tried to promote African business interests before, so things might go according to plan even under Trump.