This weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris begins a weeklong journey to Africa to promote the U.S. as a superior partner to China, which has invested substantially in Africa for decades.
Senior U.S. sources said Harris would discuss China’s role in debt restructuring, technology, and African economic challenges.
Zambia, the first African country to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 epidemic, is one of the three countries Harris will visit.
A senior official said the U.S. had “serious concerns about some of China’s activities in Africa” and its “opaque” economic relationships.
Harris will visit Ghana from March 26–29 and Tanzania from March 29–31. She finishes in Zambia on March 31 and April 1. She’ll announce public- and private-sector initiatives alongside the three presidents.
The official, who spoke anonymously because of the topic’s sensitivity, said Harris would discuss how the international community might help Ghana and Zambia with debt.
In December, the White House convened an Africa Leaders Meeting, and President Joseph Biden will visit Africa this year.
Harris knows Zambia well. She visited her country-working maternal grandpa as a child.
One official said the Vice President is excited to return to Lusaka, which is part of her family’s history and pride.
Harris will debate climate change and food hunger with young leaders and entrepreneurs.
Comment Template