LeBron James and Will Smith Face Criticism Over Angola Visit and Soft Power Association

According to reporting by The Guardian Sport, American basketball star LeBron James and actor Will Smith recently traveled to Angola, where they met with the country's president, João Lourenço, at the presidential palace. The official reason for their visit was to attend a round of the E1 World Championship, an electric raceboat series featuring celebrity-backed teams that both men have invested in.

During their time in the country, local media reported that Lourenço discussed promoting Angola internationally with James and Smith, focusing specifically on tourism, cinema, and basketball. The Guardian notes that there are valid reasons for tourism and engagement with the nation, particularly regarding roots tourism connected to the African diaspora. Researchers estimate that nearly 45 percent of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas departed from ports in what is now Angola, and the government has attempted to establish lasting ties with African Americans through heritage-based tourism.

As part of his trip, James visited the National Museum of Slavery, bringing global attention to the historical connection. Local media quoted James acknowledging the profound history shared between the country and America. Similarly, Will Smith’s visit to Angola earlier coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, with Smith later posting on social media about the beauty of the nation and plans to return.

However, The Guardian report highlights a complex ethical debate surrounding these high-profile visits. While supporting heritage tourism and bringing economic attention to a region affected by historical slavery and colonialism can be viewed positively, the appearances also provide soft power benefits to an administration facing accusations of tightening authoritarian control.

According to the source material, President Lourenço signed legislation prior to Smith's visit granting the government broad powers to monitor and suspend civil society organizations under vague security claims. Additional laws enacted under his administration include severe punishments of up to 25 years in jail for acts of vandalism—effectively criminalizing participation in peaceful protests by 2024—and measures giving security forces supervisory powers over media outlets.

In tandem with these restrictions on civil society, the Angolan government has invested heavily in sports and entertainment to bolster its international image. The country hosted the Fiba AfroBasket last year and inaugurated three new stadiums in 2026 meeting Fifa and World Athletics standards, positioning itself to attract major international tournaments.

The Guardian notes that this strategy mirrors tactics used by other nations, such as Rwanda under longtime leader Paul Kagame, who has utilized partnerships with global sports brands and clubs to enhance his international reputation despite widespread allegations of severe human rights abuses.

LeBron James's association with the Angolan leadership marks a notable shift from earlier points in his career when he was recognized as one of the sports world's most outspoken figures on social and political issues. Over time, however, his public stance on political matters has shifted, recently extending to promotional work for prediction markets and now association with an authoritarian head of state.

The Guardian suggests that James's actions align with broader trends among elite athletes, pointing to figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have promoted Saudi Arabia despite human rights concerns in the kingdom. The report concludes that athletes like James possess the wealth and influence to support populations in countries like Angola without necessarily conferring political legitimacy on the leaders who govern them.