Vice President Harris highlights
US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ weeklong trip to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia in March 2023 has set the stride for improved co-operation between the US and African nations. Harris met with leaders, business representatives and civil society groups to advance shared interests in security, economic prosperity and climate change.
The trip was the first by a Biden administration official to the continent and the first by a US vice-president since 2011. The visit follows the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington D.C., hosted by President Joe Biden in December 2022 where he announced a $10-billion initiative to support clean energy projects, digital infrastructure and trade across Africa. During Harris’ visit, the vice-president promised spending of well more than a billion towards updating social infrastructure and improving the quality of life of African citizens.
Photo credit @ AFP
In Ghana, Harris met with President Nana Akufo-Addo and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in regional security, trade, health and education. The United States intends to provide $139 million in bilateral assistance to Ghana in the 2024 financial year in the areas of innovation, regional integration and medical aid. In Tanzania, Harris met with President Samia Hassan, the first female president in East Africa, and announced $560 million in bilateral assistance in the 2024 financial year, including a $100-million feasibility study to expand access to broadband internet in rural areas of Tanzania and other contributions in education, health, trade and biodiversity. In Zambia, Harris met with President Hakainde Hichilema, who won a landslide presidential victory in August 2022. During the stay, Harris announced spending of more than $505 million in the 2024 financial years to address response levels to HIV and Malaria, renewable energy and food security.
During her three-prong mission, Harris also addressed regional and global issues such as the effects of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, the need for action on climate action and promotion of human rights and democracy. Harris said her trip was intended to send a clear message that “the United States is back” as a partner and a friend of Africa.