The activities of the 17 African -African Business Summit launched in the Angolan capital Luanda, in an international atmosphere charged with geopolitical turmoil and the increasing questions about Washington’s priorities in the continent.
This is the first time that Angola has embraced this economic and diplomatic event with the participation of more than 1500 personalities, including heads of African states and governments and high -ranking representatives of the American administration, in addition to prominent figures such as Gabonese President Press Olegi Angima, Congolese President Felix Chesikidi and Prime Minister of Madagascar Christian Netsy.
The summit focuses on vital files, most notably minerals, energy, infrastructure and trade exchange, at a time when Angola seeks to establish its position as a regional economic center capable of attracting investments and expanding its influence within the continent.
American priorities
The summit is held in light of the American administration’s preoccupation with inflamed external files, including tensions with Iran, which raises questions about the extent of Washington’s commitment to Africa, especially in light of the policies of the Trump administration that sent different signals on the importance of the continent.
This summit is seen as an attempt to restore placement US In Africa, focusing on commercial and investment partnerships instead of the development aid approaches that characterized previous stages.
“Logo” project
The railway corridor, known as the “Logo Corridor”, leads the priorities of the discussions, a project that links the Republic Democratic Congo In Angola, it is seen as a strategic axis to facilitate the transport of minerals and enhance the connection between West Africa Ports and its strategic depth.
The project has support Washington Which seeks to pump new investments to raise its efficiency and improve its competitiveness.
In this context, Congolese President Felix Cisicdy – who actively participates in discussions on Labbito Corridor – will hold a meeting with a consultant Africa in White House Masaad Paul.
African growth and opportunities
Among the hot files offered is also the future of the African Growth and Opportunities Agreement (Agua), which is scheduled to end in September 2025.
The agreement is one of the pillars of trade cooperation between the two sides for more than two decades, but the ambiguity is fate, amid a possible orientation from Washington to postpone negotiations on its renewal, in light of the escalation of competition with ChinaBeijing announced a few days ago its intention to exempt the exports of most African countries from customs duties, which increased the pressure on the United States to reassess its commercial strategies on the continent.