Biden in Africa pledges millions more for a rail project the US hopes will boost its influence there

President Joe Biden on his visit to sub-Saharan Africa has pledged another $600 million for a cross-continent rail corridor project. He told regional leaders Wednesday that “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” Biden used the third and final day of his visit to Angola to showcase the Lobito Corridor railway. The U.S. and allies are investing heavily to refurbish 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of train lines in Zambia, Congo and Angola. The project aims to advance the U.S. presence in a region rich in cobalt, copper and other critical minerals.