By Pearl Matibe in Washington D.C.
President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.’s historic visit to Angola marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Africa relations. The White House has lauded this trip as a continuation of robust bilateral cooperation, reflecting the shared vision of President Biden and President João Lourenço for a more secure and prosperous future, for both countries, the region, and the world.
“This visit comes on the heels of a meeting in November 2023, when President Biden hosted President Lourenço in the Oval Office,” said senior administration officials on Monday. “In the time before and since U.S. and Angolan counterparts have worked closely to expand impactful high-standard economic opportunities and improve global and regional security.”
President Biden left the chilly Washington, D.C. winter on the evening of December 1, braving temperatures as low as 3°C (37°F). After a quick pit stop in sunny Sal, Cabo Verde, where it was a pleasant 24°C (75°F), Air Force One touched down in Luanda, welcoming the President with a tropical embrace at a warm 27°C (81°F). It’s safe to say he traded the frost for some much-needed sunshine
Today, Biden and Lourenço convened at Luanda’s Presidential Palace. Key discussions centered on trade, investment, and infrastructure, alongside efforts to bolster regional security and stability.
Speaking to journalists, senior U.S. officials emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections in fostering a lasting partnership.
“Since 1968, over 1,200 Angolans have participated in U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs like the Fulbright Program and Mandela Washington Fellowship,” they noted. “These initiatives reconnect cultures, promote dialogue, and nurture collaboration.”
The leaders also reflected on Angola’s groundbreaking commitment to the Artemis Accords in November 2023. “Angola is the third African nation to sign these accords, signalling a commitment to responsible space exploration for the benefit of all humankind,” officials said.
On Tuesday, President Biden will travel to Lobito to participate in a high-profile summit on infrastructure investments, joined by leaders from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia. The focus will be on advancing the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor—a critical infrastructure project aimed at unlocking economic potential across Southern Africa.
This summit underscores the U.S.’s commitment to fostering regional growth and connectivity. In October 2024, the U.S. and Angola signed an Open Skies Agreement, paving the way for increased air connectivity and investment opportunities. “This agreement complements the 2023 Boeing deal with TAAG, Angola’s flag carrier, to purchase four 787 Dreamliners, enhancing long-haul capacity,” said officials.
Also today, Biden and Lourenço will co-host the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit, focusing on accelerating the corridor’s development to stimulate trade and economic growth. Other pressing issues include combating climate change, food insecurity, and global health threats.
U.S.-Angola cooperation on environmental initiatives continues to expand, with the State Department committing $750,000 in new programs to combat timber trafficking and develop a national forest inventory. Additionally, USAID is contributing $1.3 million towards sustainable landscape projects.
“Together, we are tackling challenges that transcend borders by enabling more accountable governance, protecting civilians, and building resilient health systems,” officials stated.
Bilateral defense collaboration has deepened since U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s landmark visit to Angola in September 2023. The inaugural Joint Angolan-American Defense Cooperation Committee (DEFCOM) held in June 2024 set the stage for enhanced military logistics and engineering partnerships. The next DEFCOM meeting is slated for 2025 in Angola.
The United States has also pledged $10.5 million since 2021 to support Angola’s democratic reforms, emphasizing freedom of expression, press, and peaceful assembly.
“The U.S. stands firm in amplifying civil society’s role in elections and decision-making,” senior officials reiterated.
On the aspect of shared aspirations for the future, President Biden’s visit reaffirms the deepening U.S.-Angola relationship, grounded in shared values and mutual goals. From groundbreaking infrastructure projects to tackling global challenges, this trip represents a step toward a more interconnected and resilient Southern Africa.
As Biden himself stated ahead of the trip: “The future we build is one where partnerships like these define the global stage—where nations work hand-in-hand to uplift communities and foster prosperity for all.”
Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise on U.S. foreign policy, and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe
