**Trump's Support for Angola Rail Line Reflects Shifting U.S. Africa Policy**

The recent U.S. delegation visit to Angola indicates a commitment to the Lobito Corridor project, raising questions about the direction of American foreign policy in Africa under Trump.

An 800-mile railway from Angola’s northern border to the Atlantic Ocean, the Lobito Corridor has emerged as a pivotal U.S. initiative aimed at countering China's growing influence in Africa. Initiated under former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the project has now garnered early backing from the Trump administration, notorious for its move towards reducing aid to Africa.

This endorsement comes through the acting U.S. ambassador to Angola, James Story, who recently led a delegation of American and Western diplomats on a promotional tour of the railway. This visit included engagements with Angolan political leadership and local business stakeholders.

As Trump aims to reshape U.S. engagement in Africa, speculation arises regarding how closely his administration's policies will mirror or deviate from Biden's approach. "The Trump administration is all about making business to favor the United States," stated Osvaldo Mboco, an international relations professor at Angola's Technical University, hinting at a potential focus on leveraging mineral access as part of the broader strategy.

The Lobito Corridor not only represents an infrastructural milestone but also underlines the strategic interests of the U.S. in securing vital commodities, such as cobalt and copper, essential for the global transition to clean energy. The unfolding developments symbolize a critical juncture for American diplomacy in Africa, as policy priorities adapt to new leadership while continuing to navigate the complexities of international relations with the continent.