President Joe Biden's diplomatic mission to Africa takes an unexpected turn during a key infrastructure meeting.
According to the Daily Mail, the 82-year-old president appeared to fall asleep twice during discussions about the U.S.-backed Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor railway project, with reporters noting visible signs of fatigue.
The incident occurred during the final day of Biden's three-day sub-Saharan Africa tour, where he announced a significant $2.5 billion investment in a railway corridor through the continent. During the hour-long meeting with African officials and U.S. business leaders, observers reported that Biden closed his eyes for extended periods, with his hand twitching at one point, causing him to drop an item.
The Lobito Corridor project represents the largest U.S. investment in a foreign train project to date. The ambitious initiative spans 800 miles across Zambia, Congo, and Angola, serving as a strategic move to advance American interests in a region rich in critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.
The new railway system promises to dramatically reduce cargo transportation time from Africa to the United States. What previously took 45 days will be shortened to less than 45 hours, marking a significant improvement in trade efficiency.
Biden, a self-proclaimed train enthusiast, expressed personal interest in the project. Speaking to Angola President João Lourenço, he stated, "Mr. President, I'm coming back to ride on the train all the way from end to end."
The corridor's completion timeline extends beyond Biden's current term, potentially falling under Donald Trump's administration beginning January 20. The White House maintains that Republicans in Congress have historically supported African business initiatives through targeted investments.
The project emerges as a direct response to China's growing influence in Africa. Chinese investments in African mineral mining and processing have been substantial, with their Belt and Road Initiative significantly expanding their economic and political presence in the region.
In a parallel development, China announced a separate railway agreement with Tanzania and Zambia in September, focusing on revamping an eastern railway line connecting Zambia to Tanzania's commercial hub.
By the end of the meeting, Biden’s voice had grown hoarse, a clear sign of the strain from his intensive three-day diplomatic trip. Despite his visible fatigue, he remained engaged, highlighting the project's importance, taking notes during presentations, and actively contributing to discussions.
The United States' $4 billion investment in the Lobito Corridor signals a major effort to boost development in Africa. The initiative seeks to address long-standing disparities, with Biden underscoring that Africa has been overlooked for too long but is now poised to play a pivotal role in the future.
President Biden's Africa summit highlights America's renewed focus on continental development through the ambitious Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor project. The $2.5 billion railway initiative, despite being overshadowed by the president's apparent fatigue, represents a significant step in U.S.-Africa relations and infrastructure development.
This strategic investment aims to counter China's growing influence while fostering economic growth across multiple African nations, though its completion will likely extend beyond Biden's current presidential term. The project's success could reshape regional trade dynamics and strengthen America's position in accessing critical minerals essential for future technologies.
