Upon taking office, Trump signed a series of executive orders, including withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change, canceling emission regulations, and promoting domestic oil and gas exploitation. However, in a surprising move, Trump declared strong support for the Lobito Corridor, a project initiated during Biden's term.

This ambitious infrastructure initiative is designed to connect strategic mineral deposits in the DRC and Zambia with the port of Lobito in Angola, creating an efficient transportation route to the global market. The Biden administration launched the project in 2022 as part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The approximately USD 2.3 billion project is funded by international partners, including the US, the European Union (EU), and the African Development Bank (ADB). The main goal is to exploit Africa's rich mineral resources, especially cobalt, lithium, and copper—essential materials for the renewable energy and high-tech industries.

The Biden administration views the Lobito Corridor as a tool to strengthen relations with African nations while reducing US and Western reliance on mineral supplies from China. China currently controls about 70% of the global rare earth supply chain, including both mining and processing. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, securing access to strategic minerals from Africa has become a top priority for Washington.

Under President Joe Biden, the Lobito Corridor is not just an economic project but also carries political significance. It demonstrates the US commitment to supporting sustainable development in Africa while preventing the expansion of Chinese influence. According to Reuters, the Biden administration has pledged USD 500 million to the project, with the participation of US companies like Bechtel and Fluor to design and construct the railway. The project also enjoys support from G7 allies, creating a strong international alliance to counter Beijing.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Photo: AP

Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Photo: AP

President Trump's support for the Lobito Corridor stems from three main factors: economic benefits for the US, a strategy to counter China, and an opportunity to strengthen his domestic political standing.

Africa, particularly the DRC, is the world's largest supplier of strategic minerals. According to Bloomberg, the DRC accounts for over 60% of global cobalt production and is one of the largest suppliers of copper and lithium. These minerals are not only essential for producing electric vehicle batteries and high-tech equipment but also play a vital role in the US defense supply chain. As technological competition with China intensifies, securing mineral supplies from Africa has become a strategic priority.

With his "America First" mindset, President Trump sees the Lobito Corridor as an opportunity for US companies to penetrate deeper into the African mineral market. According to the Financial Times, the Trump administration is negotiating mining deals with the DRC and Rwanda, involving major corporations like Freeport-McMoRan and Rio Tinto. These deals not only help the US reduce its dependence on China but also create thousands of jobs in the mining and processing industries in the US.

"The Lobito Corridor is a rare project that both Biden and Trump see value in," said Professor John Stremlau, an international relations expert at the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa). "For Biden, it's about clean energy and sustainable development. For Trump, it's about economics and geopolitical power. Both want to reduce China's influence, but with different goals."

China has long consolidated its position in Africa through large investments in infrastructure and resource extraction. China has invested over USD 150 billion in Africa over the past decade, mainly through projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese companies now control many important mineral mines in the DRC and Zambia and are building railways and seaports to transport resources.

With the support of the US and its Western allies, the Lobito Corridor is seen as a direct effort to compete with China. According to the Washington Post, this project not only provides an alternative transportation route but also helps African nations reduce their dependence on Beijing. With his "hawkish" diplomatic style, President Trump has used this project to send a strong message that the US will not let China dominate the global mineral market.

"We will not let China control America's future," Trump declared in a White House address on 21/1/2025. "The Lobito Corridor is part of our strategy to ensure American leadership in technology and energy." This move aligns with Trump's foreign policy, which focuses on economic and trade competition with China, including imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and renegotiating trade agreements.

"Trump sees the Lobito Corridor as a tool to achieve both economic goals and strengthen America's position internationally," commented political analyst Elizabeth Economy from the Hoover Institution. "This is not a continuation of Biden's policy, but a reshaping of it in a way that is more beneficial to the US."

In addition to economic and geopolitical benefits, the Lobito Corridor also offers domestic political advantages for Trump. According to Politico, the White House chief has used this project to bolster his image as a strong leader capable of both boosting the US economy and mediating international peace. His announcement of having "brokered" the peace treaty between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27th is a prime example.

This peace agreement, signed in Washington under Trump's supervision, marks a turning point in ending three decades of conflict in East Africa. According to BBC News, the agreement includes commitments to end support for armed groups, withdraw Rwandan troops from the DRC, and establish a joint security mechanism. Trump has successfully leveraged this achievement to solidify support from American voters, especially those who support his "America First" policy.

"Trump knows how to turn international opportunities into domestic political 'highlights'," observed political analyst David Rothkopf. "Supporting the Lobito Corridor and mediating peace in Africa helps him project an image of a president who is both strong and pragmatic."

While the Lobito Corridor offers many opportunities, it is not without risks. According to Foreign Affairs, major challenges include political instability in the DRC, corruption in resource management, and the risk of intense competition with China. Additionally, Trump's focus on mineral extraction rather than sustainable development may alienate African partners who expect projects to bring long-term benefits to local communities.

Moreover, Trump's energy policy, with its emphasis on oil and gas exploitation and reduced investment in clean energy, could diminish the Lobito Corridor's appeal to Western investors who prioritize environmentally friendly projects. Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and cancellation of emissions regulations may make the EU and international financial institutions hesitant to continue funding the project, according to The Guardian.

Experts believe that Trump's support for the Lobito Corridor demonstrates the complexities of global politics and economics. Despite opposing most of Biden's policies, Trump recognizes the project's strategic value in countering China, boosting the US economy, and strengthening his political standing. However, Trump's approach, with its focus on short-term economic gains and resource extraction, may alter the project's nature compared to his predecessor's original vision.

The Lobito Corridor is not just a railway but also a symbol of superpower competition in the 21st century. As the world transitions to a multipolar order, this project will continue to be a focal point of debates on economics, geopolitics, and sustainable development. For President Trump, the Lobito Corridor could become an unexpected legacy, connecting two opposing administrations in a shared goal of "reshaping America's role on the international stage."

Phong Lam (According to Economist, Foreign Affairs, Guardian)