“We see America’s future and Africa’s future as joined,” declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken on a recent visit to Angola.
“Our peoples are joined; our prosperity and success in the future is linked. African voices are shaping this century and leading on issues of global importance, including issues that matter to both of our peoples and their lives, from shared prosperity to dealing with climate change, to building greater food security,” he said.
The U.S.-Angola relationship is stronger, more consequential, and farther-reaching than at any point in the last 30 years, said Secretary Blinken:
“One of the most successful and dynamic demonstrations of this partnership between our countries – and we can see it in action – is our work to expand the critical Lobito Corridor that links Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. ... It will spur investment in underdeveloped sectors like telecommunications and agriculture. It will secure critical mineral supply chains that are essential to the economic futures of all of our countries, our industries, our workers, and our climate ambitions. And it will more effectively connect Angola and its neighbors to global markets.”
The United States has committed funding to refurbish the existing 1,300-kilometer Lobito Atlantic Rail Line. That rail investment is at the heart of the United States’ Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure work in Angola.
The U.S. is also looking to invest in additional projects that will generate growth and prosperity in Angola, said Secretary Blinken:
“We’re investing in a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project, which will provide clean electricity to half a million homes. ... We’re helping construct steel bridges that will link communities across the country. We’re supporting a project to connect people without traditional banking to mobile money applications.”
The United States is supporting long-term sustainable food production in Africa, for Africans and, ultimately, for the rest of the world.
Secretary Blinken discussed Angola’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. “We believe that the Luanda Process in tandem with the Nairobi Process is the best hope for enduring peace.”
“We’ll continue to count on partners like Angola,” said Secretary Blinken, “to address democratic backsliding in the region and follow through on their commitments on civil society, free and fair elections, and other pillars of democracy in our countries.”
