During his visit to Angola, President Joe Biden announced an additional $600 million investment in the ambitious Lobito Corridor railway project. This initiative aims to connect Zambia, Congo, and Angola with a refurbished 800-mile rail line, advancing regional trade and economic growth.
Biden highlighted the significance of the project, emphasizing its potential to reduce cargo transit times dramatically, shifting the region from a food importer to an exporter. “Africa has been left behind for too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future,” he said.
The corridor, rich in cobalt and copper essential for clean energy technologies, represents the largest U.S. investment in an international railway project. Biden described it as a “game changer,” comparable to the transformative effect of America’s transcontinental railroad.
Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi predicted the initiative could create millions of jobs, while Angola’s President João Lourenço called it a cornerstone for regional economic development.
Supported by the U.S., European Union, and private sector partnerships, the Lobito Corridor reflects a broader strategy to enhance Western investments in Africa. Though the project spans years, its completion promises a significant boost to regional connectivity and trade, linking Africa’s west and east coasts.
