World

What to know as Kamala Harris kicks off her 3-nation Africa tour

As Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American woman to become Vice President of the United States, embarks on her first foreign trip as part of the Biden-Harris Administration, here is what to know as she kicks off her three-nation Africa tour.

Beginning in Ghana, the Vice President is set to meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo and other top leaders of the West African nation. According to the White House, Harris will use her visit to “underscore the deep and abiding ties between the United States and Ghana, our commitment to expanding economic opportunities for the people of both countries, and our shared democratic values.”

The Vice President will then travel to Senegal and South Africa, where she will have additional meetings with government officials, civil society leaders, and business owners.

While in Africa, Harris is expected to focus on a range of issues, including the need for stronger economic partnerships between the U.S. and African countries, the importance of increasing access to education, and the need to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Harris is also likely to address the growing influence of China and Russia in the region. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, China has invested billions of dollars in African countries in recent years, while Russia has sought to increase its military and political presence in the region.

Finally, the Biden-Harris Administration has pledged to reverse the Trump Administration's policies that sought to cut U.S. aid to African nations. During her trip, Harris is expected to discuss the importance of U.S. financial support for African countries and the need to promote economic development and security in the region.

As Vice President Harris kicks off her three-nation Africa tour, there are a number of key issues that she will be looking to address. From the importance of strong economic partnerships between the U.S. and African countries to the need for increased access to education and the promotion of democracy and human rights, Harris is sure to make a lasting impact on the continent.