On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Ghana during her weeklong tour of Africa. Standing before the monument commemorating Ghana’s independence from colonialism, she spoke about the intertwined history between the U.S. and Africa, acknowledging both the painful and prideful moments. As the first Black and South Asian vice president of the United States, Harris is the highest-ranking official to visit Africa during President Joe Biden’s administration.
Thousands gathered to hear Harris speak at Independence Square, eager to glimpse the trailblazer. African innovation and entrepreneurship will drive a new era of partnership between the U.S. and Africa, Harris said in her speech. She highlighted the continent’s innovations in healthcare, farming, and mineral processing and emphasized the importance of investing in African creativity.
Harris also emphasized the need to promote democracies, advance the digital economy, and empower women in Africa. She spoke of the vast potential of the continent’s young people, who she called “dreamers and innovators.”
The Vice President concluded her speech by envisioning a future where every person is connected to the digital economy and every young person’s voice is heard, a lot propelled by African innovation. Akufo-Addo hosted a banquet dinner on Monday evening for American celebrities, businesspeople, and civil rights leaders, including Emhoff and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
While the Vice President’s visit is part of the global competition over Africa’s future, she has avoided emphasizing geopolitical rivalries. Instead, she emphasized the potential for growth and opportunity through collaboration between the U.S. and Africa.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Africa reflects the importance the U.S. places on its relationship with the continent. Through her speeches and actions, she has emphasized the need for a new era of partnership driven by African innovation and entrepreneurship. The Vice President has acknowledged the painful and prideful moments of the shared history between the U.S. and Africa and has pledged to work towards a future where every person is connected to the digital economy and every young person’s voice is heard.
