Biden's Africa Tour: Aid, Infrastructure, and Historical Acknowledgment

The Democratic Republic of Congo's city of Kolwezi, rich in copper and cobalt, is central to U.S.-China competition over critical minerals. President Biden's visit to promote the U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor railway aims to counter China's dominance in the region. Despite U.S. efforts, China remains a major player, owning over 80% of Congo's copper mines. The railway project, part of a broader infrastructure initiative, seeks to enhance mineral transport to the Atlantic, benefiting Western markets. However, local Congolese see little benefit from the mineral wealth due to corruption and poverty.