Kamala Harris Set to Make Historic Africa Trip as First Woman US Vice President

Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, is set to embark on a historic trip to Africa, becoming the first woman Vice President of the United States to visit the continent. This trip comes at a time of strained ties between the US and China, as the Biden administration accelerates its efforts to secure sustainable African
partnerships to counter China and Russia’s rising influence.

Harris hopes to deepen relationships with African leaders through discussions on themes of innovation and technology, regional and food security, women’s empowerment, climate, and democracy. She will also bring with her continent-wide public and private sector investments.

During the six-day trip, Harris will hold bilateral meetings with top leaders in Ghana, Tanza, and Zambia, including Tanza’s first female President, Samia Suluhu Hassan. In Ghana, Harris will deliver a high-profile speech to young people and visit the famous Cape Coast Castle, a relic of the slave trade system in West Africa and beyond. In Zambia, Harris will convene US and local business leaders to discuss digital and financial leadership.

Notably, the trip will address the issue of China’s growing influence in Africa. China has worked to grow trade relations with African nations and has developed major infrastructure projects there, some with high-interest loans.

Harris will see one of the clearest examples of China’s influence when she flies into Zambia, landing at the newly renovated Kenneth Kaunda International Airport financed and designed with Chinese money.

Experts say Kamala Harris will have to convey the US’ sincerity of its long-term commitment to the region and that her previous promises that the US would be a “better partner” for economic stability still ring true.

Staff Reporter