Kamala Harris, US Vice-President
In a bid to strengthen relations between Ghana and her country, and further strike partnerships in development, the Vice-President of United States, Kamala Harris, will visit Ghana later this month as part of her first trip to the African continent since assuming office.
This trip comes as competitors like Russia and China sustain inroads on the African continent.
A statement released by the Vice-President’s spokesperson, Kirsten Allen, announced that Mrs Harris will travel to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia in a bid to strengthen relationships between Washington and the continent.
According to the statement, Mrs Harris plans to be in Ghana from March 26 to 29, then in Tanzania from March 29 to 31. Her final stop is Zambia, on March 31 and April 1.
Strong ties
The statement said the trip is also aimed at strengthening United States partnerships with countries throughout Africa and advance her shared efforts on security and economic prosperity.
It also disclosed that Harris’ agenda is set to focus on a range of issues, among them, promoting democracy, climate adaptation, women’s economic empowerment and food security.
“Besides meeting the Presidents of each of the three countries she’s visiting, Harris plans to talk with young leaders, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the African diaspora. Our administration will be guided not by what we can do for Africa but what we can do with Africa,” the statement added.
Harris’ trip is the latest of several US officials who plan on visiting, or have visited, Africa. First lady Jill Biden returned from her trip to Africa earlier this month. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited earlier this year. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger this week, and President Joe Biden is expected to visit the continent later this year.
Advance efforts
The statement emphasised that throughout the trip, in partnership with African governments and the private sector, the Vice President will advance efforts to expand access to the digital economy, support climate adaptation and resilience.
Per the statement, she will also strengthen business ties and investment, including developing innovation in entrepreneurship, with focus on economic empowerment of women.
The Vice President will meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Samia Hassan of Tanzania, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia to discuss regional and global priorities, “including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, among other issues”.
Kamala Harris will also engage with civil society, including young leaders, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the African Diaspora.
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