It is uncommon for an outgoing U.S. president to include Africa on their final international tours. However, President Joe Biden has broken this norm by scheduling a farewell visit to the continent before his term ends.

With just weeks remaining before the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, President Biden is conducting his final diplomatic engagements worldwide. One of the stops on this tour is Angola, marking a historic moment as Biden becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit the nation since it gained independence from Portugal.

According to a statement released by the White House, Biden’s visit to Angola will focus on promoting the Lobito Corridor project. This U.S.-backed railway initiative spans three African countries—Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—and aims to boost regional trade and economic integration.

As of now, Angola is the only African country publicly confirmed on Biden’s itinerary. However, speculation is rife that the president may make additional stops in Southern Africa, with analysts suggesting possible visits to South Africa, Botswana, or Zambia.

South Africa, a key U.S. trade partner, has been at odds with Washington on several geopolitical issues, including its recent decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza. Simultaneously, South Africa’s neutrality on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn criticism from Western nations.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has been vocal about his disapproval of the Biden administration’s perceived leniency toward China on trade and economic policies. Political analysts suggest that the fate of the Lobito Corridor project may hinge on Trump’s forthcoming policies. While some see the project as an opportunity for the new administration to counter Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, others argue that Trump’s “America First” approach could deprioritize the initiative entirely.

Biden’s visit to Angola and the broader implications of his farewell tour underscore the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Africa relations amid shifting global power structures.