LUANDA, Angola —On Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Angola, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations. During his visit, Biden reinforced America’s commitment to Africa’s growth, declaring that the U.S. is “all in” on the continent’s future and emphasizing the global stakes in ensuring Africa’s success.
Biden’s message underscored Africa’s critical role on the world stage, from its vast natural resources to its emerging markets and geopolitical influence. The U.S. president’s remarks came as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with African nations, particularly considering intensifying competition with China and Russia for regional influence.
The visit was a significant diplomatic gesture from both leaders. Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been in power since 2017, warmly welcomed Biden’s commitment and highlighted the importance of U.S.-Angola relations. “This is a turning point in our bilateral relationship, and we hope it will mark the beginning of a deeper, more fruitful partnership,” Lourenço said.
During their discussions, the two leaders focused on several key areas of collaboration, including trade, security, and energy. Angola, a major oil producer and one of Africa’s largest economies, has long been an important partner for the U.S. in the energy sector. Biden’s administration has expressed interest in expanding renewable energy initiatives in Africa, and Angola’s vast natural resources make it a key player in America’s plans for energy transition.
Both leaders also underscored the importance of regional stability in Africa, particularly in the face of rising security threats from extremist groups and ongoing conflicts. Biden’s visit comes when the U.S. seeks to increase its diplomatic and military presence across the continent. Angola’s strategic location makes it a vital partner in addressing these challenges.
While Biden’s visit marks a high point in U.S.-Angola relations, it is also part of a broader U.S. effort to pivot back to Africa after years of relative disengagement. Biden’s administration has significantly emphasized renewing American partnerships in Africa, highlighting the continent’s importance in shaping the global future.
“America’s relationship with Africa is not just about aid,” Biden said. “It’s about investment in long-term relationships that will benefit both of our peoples.”
Despite the optimism, Biden’s remarks come amid growing competition for influence in Africa from other global powers, particularly China, which has invested heavily in infrastructure and trade. The U.S. seeks to counterbalance this influence by offering alternatives focusing on sustainable development, democracy, and governance.
Meanwhile, the visit also carries significant implications for Angola’s domestic policies. Under Lourenço’s leadership, Angola has undergone a series of reforms aimed at diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on oil. Biden’s visit signals U.S. support for Angola’s ongoing efforts to modernize its economy, attract foreign investment, and combat corruption.
While Biden’s visit to Angola was marked by warmth and goodwill, civil society groups in the region have pointed out that real progress on economic development, human rights, and governance will be closely watched. In Angola, the legacy of decades of one-party rule still lingers, and despite Lourenço’s reforms, challenges remain in addressing poverty and inequality.
As Biden left Angola, he reiterated the importance of African countries charting their own paths forward, with the U.S. standing by to help however it can. “The future of the world depends on the success of Africa,” he said, closing his visit with a call for greater collaboration in the years ahead.
The visit was part of a broader tour of African nations, and it signals the beginning of what many hope will be a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship between the U.S. and the continent in the coming years. Biden’s words acknowledge that Africa’s success is now seen as critical to global stability and prosperity. As the U.S. seeks to deepen its engagement with Africa, whether this renewed partnership will translate into lasting, tangible benefits for the continent remains to be seen.
