President Joe Biden has announced his upcoming visit to Africa, fulfilling a promise made during a summit of African leaders in Washington in late 2022. The White House revealed that Biden will be traveling to Germany and Angola in mid-October. This visit is seen as a crucial effort to strengthen ties with the continent, especially in light of growing Chinese influence in Africa.
While several members of Biden’s administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden, visited African nations in 2023, the President himself did not make the trip as planned. With his term in office coming to a close after opting not to run for reelection, Biden has now scheduled visits to Berlin and Luanda, Angola, from October 10-15. This visit will mark the first time a U.S. president has visited sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.
During his time in Berlin, Biden aims to solidify alliances, express gratitude to Germany for its support in various areas, including Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, hosting U.S. service members, and contributions to NATO. In Luanda, the capital of Angola, Biden will discuss collaborative efforts with President João Lourenço, focusing on economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and a significant rail project linking the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, among other topics.
Biden had initially mentioned the possibility of this Africa trip in May, indicating a potential visit post the November presidential election. His upcoming visit comes after previous engagements with African leaders, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to fostering relationships with the continent. With geopolitical dynamics in Africa evolving, Biden’s visit is anticipated to signal the U.S.’s continued engagement and interest in the region.
