Angola Railway Vital to US Economic Strategy – Analyst
President Joe Biden’s much-anticipated trip to Africa kicks off this week, focusing on the strategic Lobito Corridor, a railway project spanning Zambia, Congo, and Angola.
This initiative is part of the US’s countermeasure to China’s growing dominance over Africa’s critical minerals.
The Lobito Corridor is viewed as a crucial gateway to resources essential for the global green economy. E.D. Wala Chabala, an independent economic strategist, emphasizes that the US must lead in the green economy to maintain global dominance.
“Without this, China could surpass the US,” he said, referring to the competition over critical minerals necessary for green energy.
While Biden’s visit fulfills a promise to strengthen US-Africa ties, it may hinge on the next US administration, with some analysts suggesting the project could align with Donald Trump’s stance on countering China’s influence.
The Lobito Corridor is expected to play a pivotal role in securing vital materials from Congo and Zambia for the global green economy, with both the US and EU vying for access.
Despite delays and skepticism about Africa’s priority for the US, there is optimism that Biden’s signature initiative will outlast political transitions, as it serves as a strategic check on China’s rise in the region.
