In brief
In a landmark journey for his administration, President Joe Biden touched down in Cape Verde on Monday, marking the first leg of his only visit to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency. The trip is seen as a vital opportunity to reinforce American engagement with the continent amid growing economic competition, particularly with China.
The president’s arrival coincided with a refueling stop at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on the island of Sal, where he engaged in discussions with Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva while awaiting the departure of Air Force One to Angola. Biden is expected to arrive in Luanda by evening, where he will visit a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and unveil a significant infrastructure initiative—a $1 billion rail corridor aimed at boosting the region's economy.This journey has been a long-awaited promise from Biden, who is the first sitting American president to visit the region in nearly a decade. The trip follows the recent "full and unconditional" pardon granted to his son, Hunter Biden, for past convictions, casting a shadow over the otherwise diplomatic endeavor. As Biden embarks on this crucial phase of his presidency, the focus remains on strengthening ties and exploring collaborative economic ventures in sub-Saharan Africa.
