So, Uncle Sam's all about 'trade' in Africa now, huh? Cue the eyerolls. The Lobito Corridor, they're calling it a 'model.' A model for what, exactly? For how to gently (not really) relieve African nations of their sweet, sweet resources while lecturing them about democracy? Color me skeptical.

This Lobito thing – Angola, Congo, Zambia, all linked up to ship goodies out through some port. Sounds kinda familiar, doesn't it? Like, the whole history of colonialism familiar. But this time, it's 'trade,' so it's totally different. (Narrator: It wasn't.)

Washington's suddenly concerned about Africa's economic wellbeing. Right. Because bureaucrats in DC are known for their deep understanding of, and profound compassion for, the plight of…checks notes…Angolan copper miners. Sure, Jan.

The real reason? China. China's been making moves in Africa, offering infrastructure deals and loans. And now the US is like, 'Oh no, we can't let them have all the… uh… goodwill! Yes, goodwill. And minerals! And strategic positioning!'

They'll slap some ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) stickers on this thing, promise 'sustainable development,' and pat themselves on the back. Meanwhile, the actual Africans living near the Lobito Corridor will be dealing with the environmental consequences and questionable labor practices.

I'm not saying trade is inherently evil. But let's not pretend this is some altruistic endeavor. It's about securing access to resources and countering a geopolitical rival. Which, fine. But spare me the virtue signaling.

Remember when Obama was all about 'leading from behind?' Well, Biden's leading from somewhere, alright. Somewhere involving a lot of copper and cobalt and a healthy dose of geopolitical anxiety.

Wake me up when an African nation unilaterally decides to build a trade corridor funded entirely by its own citizens with zero interference from outside powers. THAT would be a model worth talking about. Until then, it's just another chapter in the same old story.

Maybe we should ask Elon to build a hyperloop through Africa instead? At least it would be entertaining.

Don't be fooled by the flowery language and the carefully crafted press releases. This is geopolitics, plain and simple. And Africa is the chessboard.

So, yeah, the Lobito Corridor. Model for ties? Maybe. Model for repeating history? Definitely. Get your popcorn ready.

And if you see Kamala riding an elephant on your TV screen, you know things are about to get spicy.

Sources:

* U.S. Government Trade Data: [https://www.trade.gov/](https://www.trade.gov/) * World Economic Forum Reports on Africa: [https://www.weforum.org/](https://www.weforum.org/) * American Enterprise Institute (AEI): [https://www.aei.org/](https://www.aei.org/)