Angola: Biden's promise, a life-saving support or a poisoned chalice?

US President Joe Biden has pledged $600 million in financial support for the development of Angola’s Lobito Corridor, a move that has profound implications for the Angolan economy as well as the region’s logistical setup. But behind this financial bonanza lie some less rosy truths. Is it really a poisoned chalice or a life-saving boost?

A boost for the Angolan economy

The Lobito Corridor, which stretches nearly 1,300 kilometers, is a strategic axis linking Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other neighboring countries. Biden’s promise is not just a checkbook; it highlights a desire to accelerate the process of developing essential infrastructure, allowing Angola to connect to African and global markets. For Angolan authorities, this aid is seen as a breath of fresh air in a country where infrastructure often leaves something to be desired.

A dependency on external aid?

However, it is legitimate to ask whether this aid risks creating a dependency on foreign investment. History is full of examples where African countries, by relying on external donors, found themselves trapped in a cycle of indebtedness. Angola, with its heavy history of conflicts and chaotic economic management, will have to navigate these troubled waters carefully to avoid seeing its autonomy jeopardized by aid that could, in the long term, prove harmful.

An underlying geopolitical strategy

It would be naive to believe that Biden’s promise is motivated solely by noble intentions to help a developing country. In the current context of growing rivalry between the United States and China, especially in Africa, this gesture could also be interpreted as a way of asserting itself on an international stage where Chinese influence has exploded in recent years. Chinese investments in African infrastructure are indeed massive and their presence has become firmly established. Biden seems to be saying: “Look, we are here too.”

Ultimately, the Lobito corridor could become the scene of a broader geopolitical competition. Will Angola be Washington’s proactive ally, or will it instead take advantage of the power rivalry to balance the forces on the continent? Events will tell. In any case, the future looks exciting for an Angola that aspires to new development while juggling the realities of international engagement.