United States Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a nine-day trip to Africa, with a focus on strengthening economic ties between the continent and the United States. Harris’ visit is seen as an opportunity for the US to counter China’s growing influence in Africa, especially as China continues to undertake a lot of infrastructure projects in the region.
Harris’ first stop on her trip is Ghana, where she is scheduled to meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo. In a statement, the White House said that Harris and Akufo-Addo will discuss a range of issues, including economic growth and investment, climate change, and regional security. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to deepen the historic ties between Ghana and the United States.
After Ghana, Harris will travel to Tanzania and Zambia, where she will hold similar meetings with leaders of those countries. The Vice President’s visit to Africa is expected to focus on promoting economic partnerships and addressing regional security issues, including terrorism and conflict resolution.
The United States has been increasingly concerned about China’s growing influence in Africa, as Beijing continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects on the continent. The Chinese government has been accused of using its economic clout to exert political influence in Africa, and the US is keen to counter this trend.
In a speech in Washington, DC before her trip, Harris said that the US was committed to working with African nations to promote economic growth and security, and to counter the influence of countries like China. “We know that when we partner with African nations, we are stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous,” she said. “We believe that the United States has a responsibility to support Africa’s development, and to ensure that African nations are not beholden to foreign powers that do not share their values.”
Harris’ visit to Africa is seen as an important opportunity for the US to reassert its commitment to the continent, and to strengthen partnerships with African nations. The Vice President’s trip is also significant in that it is the first official visit to Africa by a senior member of the Biden administration, and comes at a time when the US is looking to re-engage with the world following the Trump era.
In addition to economic partnerships and security issues, Harris is also expected to address other pressing issues facing the continent, including the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution, climate change, and human rights. The Vice President’s trip to Africa is being closely watched by both US and African leaders, and is expected to set the tone for future engagement between the two regions.