On December 1, 2024, President Joe Biden will embark on a trip to Angola, marking the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to Africa since 2015. The White House has stated that the purpose of the visit is to demonstrate support for Angola amid increasing Chinese influence in the region.
The trip is scheduled to take place from Monday through Wednesday, during which Biden will meet with Angolan President João Lourenço in the capital, Luanda. The two leaders previously met in December 2023 at the White House.
During his visit, Biden is expected to address various topics, including Angola's cultural heritage, health security, and agribusiness. The U.S. administration has reported that 80% of its $55 billion commitment to Africa made in 2022 has been fulfilled.
A senior administration official noted advancements in connectivity, mentioning that many people in Angola are transitioning to 3G and developing 5G networks, along with renewable energy projects. The U.S. has approved nearly $2.5 billion in financing through the Ex-Im Bank for renewable energy initiatives aimed at transforming energy-deficient countries into energy exporters.
This visit follows a recent commitment from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who pledged over $50 billion to support Africa over the next three years, emphasizing that China's relationship with the continent is at an all-time high.
The U.S. official acknowledged China's growing influence but underscored that African leaders desire assistance from multiple sources, stating, 'The one thing leaders in Africa do not want is for folks to say they're under Chinese influence, and therefore, nobody else in the world should go to Africa.'