President Joe Biden arrived for his long-awaited first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa on Monday to the cheers of thousands in Angola, where he will highlight an ambitious U.S.-backed railway project meant to counter China’s influence on the continent of over 1.

The president arrived in Angola, where he will highlight American commitment to Africa in the economic competition against China.

The president will also announce initiatives related to global health and security cooperation, among other things, a senior administration official said.