Kamala Harris to visit Africa in latest US outreach

The White House’s concerted outreach to the continent began with the US- Africa Leaders Summit in December

The Biden administration is trying to calibrate its approach to Africa so African leaders do not feel as though they are caught in the middle of a geopolitical contest

Reading Time:2 minutes

US Vice-President Kamala Harris plans to visit Ghana, Tanzania and Gambia. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 9:10pm, 13 Mar 2023Updated: 8:19am, 14 Mar 2023

US Vice-President Kamala Harris will spend a week in Africa at the end of March as the United States deepens its outreach to the continent amid global competition, notably with China.

“The trip will strengthen the United States’ partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity,” said a statement from the vice-president’s spokesperson, Kirsten Allen.

Harris’ plans follow visits by first lady Jill Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is going this week, and President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Africa later this year.

Harris’ plans follow First lady Jill Biden’s visit to Africa last month. Photo: AP

However, Harris will be closely watched as the first Black vice-president in US history and the first woman to hold the position.

She plans to be in Ghana from March 26-29, then in Tanzania from March 29-31. Her final stop is Zambia, on March 31-April 1.

Harris has a personal connection to the third country on her itinerary. Her maternal grandfather worked in Zambia years ago, and she visited him there as a young girl.

Allen said the vice-president’s agenda will include promoting democracy, climate adaptation, women’s economic empowerment and food security.