In brief
On December 2, 2024, President Biden commenced his first and only journey to Sub-Saharan Africa, with a significant emphasis on strengthening American partnerships in the region. His visit began in Cape Verde, where he met with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva while Air Force One refueled at Amílcar Cabral International Airport in Sal. Expected to arrive in Luanda, Angola, later that evening, Biden is set to promote a $1 billion rail corridor project and honor local history with a visit to a slavery museum.
This trip, long anticipated and delayed until Biden’s final weeks in office, marks the first visit to Sub-Saharan Africa by a sitting U.S. president since 2015. The journey comes amidst Biden's recent decision to grant a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, related to felony charges involving tax issues and gun possession. As such, the trip represents not only a moment of diplomacy but also a pivotal effort to showcase American investment and commitment to a region facing significant challenges and competition from China.
