Ghana: US Vice President Kamala Harris 'very enthusiastic about Africa's future'

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra on March 26, 2023. Kamala Harris embarks on an African tour in Ghana that also takes her to Tanzania and Zambia. REUTERS - FRANCIS KOKOROKO

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Kamala Harris arrived this Sunday, March 26 in Accra. The US vice president begins a tour of the continent until April 2, with first a three-day stopover in Ghana, before leaving for Tanzania, then Zambia. A strategic visit that aims to strengthen Washington's diplomatic ties with the continent, a few months after the holding of a U.S.-Africa summit in the U.S. capital.

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What an honour to be here in Ghana, and on the African continent. I am very excited about the future of Africa. I am very excited about the impact of Africa's future on the rest of the world. When I look at what's happening on this continent and the fact that the average age is 19, what that tells us about the growth of innovation and opportunity. I see in all of this a great opportunity, not only for Africans, but also for the rest of the world," the US vice president said as she stepped off the plane.

Kamala Harris on arrival in Accra: "I am very excited about the future of Africa"

RFI

For Washington, one of the goals of Kamala Harris' trip is to change the American perception of Africa at a time when Washington wants to create a great partnership with the continent.

This is evidenced by the sequence of visits to Africa by US officials in recent weeks. After the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the First Lady, it is now the turn of the Vice President.

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While in Accra, Kamala Harris will take a close interest in Ghanaian youth. Tomorrow, she will visit a skate park and a recording studio for local artists, before a dinner with President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The objective of this tour is also to talk about climate crisis, food security and strengthening investments in Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, three countries whose democratic qualities Washington praises.

But behind these American words also lies the struggle for influence with Russia and China.

On the security front, first of all, with the presence of Wagner's militiamen on the continent. In the economic field, Washington hopes to counter China's influence. Beijing, the largest creditor of many countries, including Ghana, now over-indebted and facing a deep economic crisis, with inflation of more than 50%.

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  • United States
  • Ghana
  • Kamala Harris
  • China
  • Russia