Luanda: The historic visit to Angola by US President Joe Biden is set to reinforce Angola’s standing as a leading political and economic force within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The visit is being viewed as a significant step in strengthening the ties between Angola and the United States, showcasing Angola’s growing influence in the region.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Pascoal Pedro, a professor of Public International Law at Instituto Superior Politécnico Ndunduma do Bié, emphasized the importance of this visit for Angola’s international integration and its relationship with the US. He highlighted that the choice of Angola as a destination for President Biden signifies recognition of the country’s strategic importance both in the SADC region and across the African continent.
Pedro further noted the United States’ interest in investing in the Lobito Corridor, a crucial infrastructure project in Southern Africa. This investment is considered a pivotal aspect of Biden’s visit
and could significantly enhance economic development within the SADC. The corridor is seen as a strategic element that can promote regional economic integration and sustainable growth among SADC nations.
The professor expressed that Biden’s visit could be transformative for Angola, potentially opening up new avenues for investments and partnerships that could boost the local economy, particularly through advancements in the Lobito Corridor. He believes this engagement will elevate Angola’s international profile and prestige.
Despite acknowledging potential political uncertainties with future US presidential transitions, Pedro remains optimistic about continued American interest in Angola. He asserted that strategic interests, particularly those concerning bilateral cooperation, are likely to persist beyond the current administration.
Pedro urged the Angolan government to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Biden’s visit, emphasizing the importance of implementing the agreements discussed with the
United States. He called for a focus on long-term sustainable development to ensure the prosperity of the Angolan people.
The United States and Angola have shared diplomatic and bilateral relations for over three decades, marked by deepening engagements and cooperation on mutual objectives. In 2023, trade agreements between the two nations reached approximately 1.77 billion US dollars, positioning Angola as Washington’s fourth largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
