Trump's Administration Backs Biden's Legacy Project To Secure African Resources

Trump's administration has decided to back one of the key projects initiated by former President Joe Biden: the Lobito Corridor.

The transcontinental railway aims to link the resource-rich areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia to Angola's Atlantic port of Lobito. This project would fortify the West's critical minerals supply chain, shifting the regional export preference toward the Atlantic.

James Story, the U.S. chargé d'affaires and acting ambassador to Angola, clarified America's dedication to the project while leading a diplomatic tour along the 835-mile rail line.

"We are here to show our commitment to these projects. We will continue working with our partners," he said to reporters, according to Bloomberg's report.

The Lobito Corridor is a collaborative effort involving the U.S., the European Union, and a group of private sector partners led by the commodities giant Trafigura.

Together, they plan to upgrade and expand the railway network to boost exports of copper and cobalt—key minerals needed for electric vehicles, AI data centers, and the global energy transition.

President Biden had promoted the corridor as part of a fresh approach to U.S.-Africa relations, focusing on commercial partnerships instead of traditional aid.

His administration had pledged nearly $4 billion for infrastructure, mining, and agriculture projects along the route. Although a hurricane delayed his only trip to Africa, Biden visited Angola in December, marking his first and last visit to the continent, cementing the project's importance in his foreign policy legacy.

The fresh endorsement from Trump's administration hints at an investment-driven diplomacy in Africa. Despite the tariffs affecting Angola, Zambia, and the DRC, the White House made it clear that there are exemptions for essential minerals.

Adam Cortese, the CEO of U.S.-backed solar company Sun Africa, is optimistic about this trend. "There definitely seems to be a growing push for the U.S. to compete more with China," he said for the New York Times, pointing to the increasing interest in backing American businesses in Africa.

The Lobito Corridor is also part of a larger strategy for the U.S. in the region. Zambia is ramping up copper production, targeting one million tons, led by large foreign firms like First Quantum Minerals (OTCPK: FQVLF), Barrick (NYSE:GOLD), and Glencore (OTCPK: GLCNF).  

Meanwhile, discussions are underway for multibillion-dollar investments in the DRC's mining, and officials are investigating a possible minerals-for-security deal amid ongoing conflicts.

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