Designed To Last-Biden Admin Touts Success Of African Policy On Way Out

By Ajong Mbapndah L

Both President Biden and Secretary Blinken believe very strongly that Africa is strategic and that the United States should treat Africa as a strategic region of the world and that been their approach over the lifetime of the Biden-Harris administration, says Molly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

Speaking at a recent Foreign Press Center press briefing on the recent visit of President Biden to Angola, Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, highlighted the administration’s commitment and great strides made in fostering stronger U.S.-Africa relations.

Key milestones in the Biden administrations' African strategy which was first articulated in 2022, included the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022 and the administration’s proactive measures, such as advocating for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 and supporting African representation in international financial institutions, reflect this commitment.

“The United States this year provided $21 billion in concessional financing to the IMF, to the Poverty Reduction Growth Trust. So, in this way, we’ve been trying to respond to African priorities, a need for credit and financing. And I also want to point out that the selection of Ajay Banga as the new president of the World Bank, someone with sensibility and concerns and priorities for Global South voices,” Phee said.

The Lobito Corridor Project: A Transformational Initiative

A central focus of President Biden’s visit to Angola was the Lobito Corridor project, a landmark infrastructure initiative linking Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia via a transcontinental railroad. Assistant Secretary Phee described the project as a springboard for regional integration and economic transformation in southern Africa.

“Why are we excited about a railroad?” Phee asked rhetorically. “Because it’s a springboard to regional integration and economic transformation.” She elaborated on how the railroad will dramatically reduce transport times, facilitate the exploitation of natural resources, and contribute to the global clean energy revolution.

The project's ripple effects extend beyond transportation. It includes investments in agriculture, solar energy, and internet connectivity, enhancing the livelihoods of communities along the corridor. In Angola alone, nearly 40% of the population resides within 50 kilometres of the railroad's path, promising substantial local benefits.
Phee highlighted the involvement of several American companies in the Lobito Corridor project, showcasing a blend of private and public sector investment. Companies such as Sun Africa, Africell, Acrow Bridge Corporation, and KoBold are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address infrastructure and energy needs in the region.

“American companies bring innovative, leading-edge technology that will have a positive impact on southern Africa,” she said. These partnerships are complemented by U.S. government entities like the Export-Import Bank, USAID, and the Development Finance Corporation, as well as international collaborators like the African Development Bank and G7 partners such as Italy.

“Other companies and other partners are seeing the benefits of this project, so it's growing every day. So, we assess that this is a win-win for everyone involved. It's a win for the American private sector. It's a win for Africans benefiting from the innovation of the American private sector. It will produce development in Africa; it will produce jobs in America,” Phee added.

“This kind of momentum, we think, will continue to advance and expand. And again, as I said, it will take some time, but we believe that the governments of the region are committed, that the communities who will benefit are committed, and the private sector and public sector commitments will be realized.”

Africa’s strategic importance

During the Q&A session, journalists raised questions about the geopolitical implications of U.S. engagement in Africa, especially in the context of growing Chinese and Russian influence. Phee reiterated that Africa’s importance to U.S. national interests transcends any single administration.

“By 2070, half of the world’s population will be from Africa,” she noted. “It’s crucial that we foster healthy, productive relationships with the continent.” Phee also emphasized that the Lobito Corridor project serves as a template for future collaborations, offering a model of sustainable development driven by innovation and high standards.

Recognizing concerns about corruption in Angola, Phee assured that the U.S. is taking measures to promote transparency and accountability. Technical agreements with Angolan government ministries aim to ensure competitive and transparent contracting processes.

"We've signed several technical agreements to help transparently manage contracting," she said. Additionally, the involvement of American companies committed to high labour and environmental standards further reinforces these efforts.

Concerns about regional conflicts

Addressing questions about regional conflicts, Phee detailed U.S. support for the Luanda Process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving tensions in the eastern DRC. She highlighted the involvement of U.S. intelligence resources and regional leaders in facilitating dialogue and neutralizing armed groups such as the M23 and FDLR.

“We urge all sides to continue addressing the difficult issues that have divided them for years,” she said, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the region.

While some journalists questioned the timing of President Biden’s visit, given the impending end of his administration, Phee emphasized that the groundwork laid over the past two years ensures the longevity of these initiatives. “This is not tied to any particular administration,” she affirmed. “The momentum from all stakeholders will continue to drive progress.”

In her closing remarks, Phee thanked journalists for their role in amplifying Africa’s importance on the global stage. “It’s important that Africa is discussed in Washington and that Washington’s views are known in African countries,” she concluded.

President Biden’s visit to Angola and the U.S. commitment to projects like the Lobito Corridor signify a transformative era in U.S.-Africa relations. By prioritizing infrastructure, innovation, and accountability, the Biden administration has set the stage for a partnership that promises mutual benefits and long-term stability as the U.S. welcomes its next president, Donald Trump.