The visit, which was confirmed during a press briefing on Tuesday by Dr. Francis Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, and Helena Maza, Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership on Global Infrastructure Investment (PGI) at the US Department of State, will be an important moment in US-Africa relations.

The visit is expected to cover a wide range of sectors, from peace and security to economic cooperation, technological exchange, and scientific partnerships. A key focus will be on enhancing regional connectivity and economic development across Africa, with particular emphasis on the Lobito Corridor rail project.

The Lobito Corridor, which links Angola to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a major US supported infrastructure initiative that aims to boost trade and transport, especially for minerals like cobalt, essential for electric vehicle batteries. The US has already invested over $2.5 billion in Angola, and the Lobito Corridor is expected to further stimulate regional tr e by reducing transport time and strengthening supply chains.

The visit comes at a time when the US has invested over $4 billion in the region, underscoring its commitment to promoting Africa’s economic growth and regional integration. US officials have highlighted the broader impact of such projects, not only for Angola, Zambia, and the DRC but for the entire African continent, by fostering trade and job creation.

Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mutua praised the visit, describing it as a milestone in bilateral relations, while local Economist Yusuf Dodia expressed optimism about the potential of the Lobito Corridor to open new economic opportunities.

Professor Oliver Sasa, an Advisor to Zambia’s President, stressed that the rail project will transform the region, facilitating increased trade and investment, particularly in agriculture and mining.

--ChannelAfrica--