President Joe Biden has embarked on a significant journey to sub-Saharan Africa, marking the only trip to the region during his presidency. He arrived on a sunny Monday in Cape Verde, a picturesque island nation off the coast of Africa, before proceeding to Angola with the intent of strengthening bilateral relations.

Air Force One briefly landed at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island for a refueling stop, a moment that presented Biden the opportunity to meet with Cabo Verde's Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, in an airport lounge. Their discussions underscored the importance of Cabo Verde, which Biden praised as "a model of stable democratic governance" and celebrated for its support of Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia.

Biden’s pivotal visit to Angola tonight includes a tour of a museum that commemorates the harrowing history of the transatlantic slave trade. He is poised to highlight a groundbreaking $1 billion rail corridor project aimed at enhancing regional economic development, a key component of his administration's commitment to assist Africa's growth.

This trip, long anticipated by Biden, comes on the heels of a controversial decision to grant his son, Hunter Biden, a "full and unconditional" pardon following his convictions on tax and firearm charges. This decision, announced shortly before Biden's departure, has ignited significant backlash from both Republican and some Democratic circles, who have accused him of improperly leveraging his presidential powers.

Biden’s historic trip is notable for being the first visit by a sitting American president to Angola. The nation, once a colony of Portugal, endured a devastating civil war post-independence that lasted more than 25 years, positioning it as a critical front in the Cold War. Today, Angola is leveraging its abundant oil and diamond resources to emerge as a key player in the competition for influence between the United States and China.

During this visit, Biden is expected to roll out new initiatives focused on global health, agriculture, and security, further solidifying American investment in the region. Notably, he will celebrate a partnership that has facilitated $6.9 billion in business deals between U.S. and Angolan enterprises, reinforcing a commitment to fostering economic opportunities.

As Biden navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, the outcomes of his initiatives may be sensitive to the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency, who has expressed critical views towards African nations in the past. The coming days will reveal how this historic trip shapes U.S.-Africa relations and Biden's legacy before he concludes his term.