In a significant diplomatic visit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken arrived in Luanda, Angola, on January 24 to engage in discussions with President João Lourenço and Foreign Minister Tete Antonio.
The visit aims to reinforce the longstanding U.S.-Angola bilateral relationship, focusing on key areas such as climate initiatives, food security, global health cooperation, economic engagement, and trade.
*U.S.-Angola Relations: A 30-Year Partnership
Establishing diplomatic ties 30 years ago in 1993, the relationship between the United States and Angola has evolved with regular high-level engagements and increased collaboration on shared goals. Angola, recognized as a strategic partner and regional leader, plays a crucial role in advancing mutual objectives such as economic prosperity, energy access, democracy, human rights, and regional security.
Recent highlights include President Biden’s meeting with President Lourenço at the White House in November 2022, visits from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and the signing of the Artemis Accords in November 2023, symbolizing collaboration in space exploration.
Economic, Trade, and Investment Collaborations
The United States is actively contributing to Angola’s economic development through strategic initiatives, including the renewed Lobito Corridor, supported by investments from the U.S. government and Western companies. The Lobito Corridor aims to enhance connectivity across Southern Africa, creating economic opportunities and facilitating trade.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has provided technical assistance to help Angola reduce its debt vulnerabilities, enabling the reprofiling of domestic debt and lowering interest costs. The U.S. Geological Survey Institute and the Angolan Geological Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2023 to foster scientific collaboration for Angola’s potential as a critical minerals producer.
Investments in digital infrastructure are underway to enhance Angola’s connectivity to the global economy, with a focus on reliable telecommunication networks.
Peace and Security Cooperation
The U.S.-Angola partnership extends to various security priorities, including military assistance, education and training, maritime security, demining efforts, and peacekeeping. Over the past four years, the U.S. has significantly increased military assistance to Angola, totaling over $18 million from 2020 to 2023.
Food Security Initiatives
Collaborating on food security and climate resilience, the U.S. and Angola are working to enhance agricultural development and economic diversification. Angola is part of the Vision for Adaptive Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and nutrition by developing climate-resilient crop varieties.
USAID has provided emergency assistance to address the impact of the 2022 drought in southern Angolan provinces, screening over 500,000 children for malnutrition and treating 121,000 for moderate to severe malnutrition.
Health Cooperation: Combatting HIV/AIDS and COVID-19
The longstanding partnership in health includes substantial U.S. investments in combatting HIV/AIDS through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Over nearly two decades, PEPFAR has invested nearly $263 million in Angola, providing crucial HIV testing, prevention, care, treatment services, and strengthening public health systems.
In response to COVID-19, the U.S., through COVAX and AVAT, has donated over 11 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Angola since July 2021. Additional vaccine doses are scheduled for delivery in February 2024.
Climate and Environment Commitments
Despite being a significant oil and gas producer, Angola has made ambitious environmental commitments, including joining the Global Methane Pledge in November 2023. The U.S. is supporting Angola’s demining efforts and contributing towards conservation and eco-tourism development in the Okavango River Basin.
The United States continues to support Angola’s efforts in combating corruption, enhancing accountability, and advancing democratic governance and human rights. Investments and programs aim to amplify the roles of civil society and faith-based organizations in democratic processes.
Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation
Angola actively participates in the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, launched in September 2023, focusing on advancing a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region. The partnership, a White House priority, currently has 36 member states across the Atlantic.
Secretary Blinken’s visit underscores the commitment to strengthening ties, fostering collaboration, and advancing shared goals between the United States and Angola.
