Biden Pledges $600 Million for Major Railroad Project in Zambia, Congo, and Angola
President Joe Biden announced a significant pledge of $600 million to fund the Lobito Corridor railway project during his visit to Angola. This ambitious cross-continent initiative aims to refurbish 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of railway infrastructure connecting Zambia, Congo, and Angola, marking a major step toward enhancing transportation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing regional leaders at the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit, Biden emphasized that Africa has long been overlooked but is now positioned for a future of growth and opportunity. “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future,” Biden declared.
The project is part of the United States’ strategy to boost its presence in Africa, particularly in nations rich in essential minerals like cobalt and copper. These minerals are critical for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles, electronics, and clean energy technologies.
Biden highlighted that the railway could reduce cargo transport time from 45 days to under 45 hours, revolutionizing regional trade and potentially transforming Africa from a food importer to an exporter.
The U.S. has committed $4 billion to the Lobito Corridor, with additional financing from the European Union, the G7 nations, and private Western and African investors. The project is expected to create millions of jobs, with Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi calling it a game-changer for the region.
Biden’s announcement comes on the final day of his three-day visit to Angola, where he was joined by Presidents João Lourenço of Angola and Felix Tshisekedi of Congo.
The Lobito Corridor, which Biden described as the largest U.S. investment in a rail project outside the country, is expected to serve as a catalyst for private sector investments in the region, contributing to long-term economic development.
