On December 3, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden pledged over $1 billion in humanitarian aid to Africa during his visit to Angola, marking a historic moment as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the former Portuguese colony. The funds are aimed at tackling food insecurity and addressing urgent needs stemming from severe droughts affecting 31 African countries.
Biden’s visit underscores a broader U.S. effort to strengthen economic ties with Africa, counter China’s growing influence in the region, and enhance regional security. The U.S. will allocate the funds to help displaced communities, refugees, and internally displaced persons, as confirmed by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In a speech at the National Slavery Museum near Luanda, Biden also reflected on Angola’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, describing slavery as “our nation’s original sin” and calling for acknowledgment of this shared history.
During his visit, Biden met with Angolan President João Lourenço, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, particularly through the Lobito Corridor project.
This initiative, aimed at rehabilitating a key railway between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito, seeks to boost regional trade and provide an alternative to China’s debt-heavy infrastructure projects in Africa.
Biden’s administration has prioritized infrastructure development in Africa, seeing it as essential for regional economic growth. In addition to discussing economic cooperation, the two leaders addressed security issues, including the risk of weapons flowing into Africa amid global conflicts.
Human rights groups urged Biden to address Angola’s domestic issues, including allegations of security force abuses and government repression. Advocacy groups hope Biden will press for reforms during his meetings with Angolan leaders.
Biden will continue his visit by traveling to Lobito for a summit on infrastructure investment with regional leaders from Angola, the DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia.
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