Biden Heads to Angola, Seeking to Bolster Ties Amid Growing Chinese Influence
President Joe Biden will embark on a trip to Angola on Sunday night, marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to Africa since Barack Obama’s 2015 travels to Kenya and Ethiopia. The three-day visit underscores the Biden administration’s aim to strengthen ties with the key African nation, an effort that comes against the backdrop of growing Chinese investment and influence on the continent.
A Symbolic Show of Support Amidst Growing Competition
The White House emphasizes that Biden’s trip is intended to demonstrate support for Angola while also highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to collaboration on a global scale. The president is scheduled to meet with Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda , following a previous meeting between the two leaders in Washington, D.C. last December. Biden is expected to engage in discussions covering a range of topics including Angola’s cultural heritage, health security, and its burgeoning agribusiness sector.
Senior administration officials point to the impressive progress made on a $55 billion pledge to Africa pledged in 2022, with 80% of the initial funding already allocated. Notably, this comes at a time when China has increased its financial commitments to Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized this increased investment, recently pledging over $50 billion to support the continent over the next three years, stating that China and Africa’s relationship is currently at an “all-time high.”
Balancing Economic Interests and Regional Engagement
“More people are getting connected to 3G and now building out 5G networks,
as well as building out renewable energy,” said a senior administration official who declined to be named. “In fact, the U.S. has approved financing through Ex-Im Bank of nearly $2.5 billion of renewable energy projects that will be able to take countries from energy deficit to energy exporters to their neighbors.”
This emphasis on infrastructure development aligns with the Biden administration’s broader goal of promoting both economic opportunities and democratic values in Africa.
Black of the powerful cases
The senior U.S. official acknowledged China’s growing influence on the continent but maintained the African nations desire for diverse partnerships and are open to collaboration from various countries, dismissing the notion that increased Chinese involvement should preclude other nations from fostering relationships with African countries.
“The one thing leaders in Africa do not want is for folks to say they’re under — they have the Chinese investment; they have Chinese influence, and therefore, nobody else in the world should go to Africa,” the official said. “That is the opposite of what everybody in Africa wants.”
What are the key cultural and historical factors that are likely to be discussed during President Biden’s visit to Angola?
## Biden in Angola: A Balancing Act on the World Stage
**Today we’re joined by Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on U.S.-Africa relations, to discuss President Biden’s upcoming trip to Angola.**
**Dr. [Guest Name], President Biden’s visit to Angola is the first by a sitting U.S. president to Africa since 2015. What are the key objectives behind this trip?**
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** This trip is significant for a few reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to reasserting U.S. engagement in Africa after a period of what some might consider neglect. Angola, a key oil producer and growing economy, is an important strategic partner in a region where China has been steadily increasing its economic and political influence.
*[1](https://www.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-president-bidens-visit-to-angola/)*
**That’s right, there’s a clear focus on countering Chinese influence on the continent. How will this trip try to achieve that?**
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The White House emphasizes this isn’t about framing the visit as a direct challenge to China but rather as a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to working with Africa on its own terms. We can expect to see announcements on increased U.S. investment in areas like agribusiness, health security, and renewable energy, showcasing a different model of partnership based on mutual benefit and sustainable development.
**Beyond economics, what other aspects of the relationship will likely be discussed?**
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Angola holds significant cultural and historical importance. President Biden is expected to engage with Angolan leaders on preserving Angola’s rich heritage and promoting people-to-people exchanges. These cultural connections are crucial in building long-term relationships beyond purely economic considerations.
**Thank you, Dr. [Guest Name], for your insights. It will be interesting to see how President Biden’s visit shapes U.S.-Angola relations and the wider U.S. African policy in the coming years.**
