Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her one-week trip to Africa on Sunday in an attempt to deepen U.S. relations with visits to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia.
Harris said she plans to focus on climate change, supply chains, international norms and economic growth while speaking to leaders from each of the three countries.
“In particular on this trip, I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and to support the work that must be done to increase food security, including adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis,” Harris said during remarks in Accra, Ghana.
The trip comes amid increased Chinese presence in the region and a likely 2024 presidential bid from President Joe Biden. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Senate Democrats Offer Tepid Support For Kamala Harris Amid Critical Media Reports)
ACCRA, GHANA – MARCH 26: US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a speech at the Kotoka International Airport on March 26, 2023 in Accra, Ghana. Vice President Harris is visiting the African continent for the first time in an official capacity. (Photo by Ernest Ankomah/Getty Images)
On Monday, the vice president held a bilateral meeting and a joint press conference with Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo and announced that the U.S. would pledge $100 million to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in Coastal West Africa.
In a statement, Harris touted the administration’s efforts to bolster female-owned business, counter labor abuse and improve global health security in the region.
She also intends to meet with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as entrepreneurs, artist and farmers from the region in the coming days.