Kamala Harris Succeeds in Strengthening U.S. Relations with Africa through Diplomacy and Cultural Engagement

Tanzania Welcomes Vice President Kamala Harris on Her Weeklong Trip to Africa

Vice President Kamala Harris made a historic visit to Tanzania, where she met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote democratic reforms and encourage progress towards inclusive government. During her visit, Vice President Harris announced $560 million in U.S. assistance for Tanzania, some of which need congressional approval, to expand the countries’ trade relationship and encourage democratic governance.

President Hassan cited for lifting the ban on opposition rallies and encouraging press freedom in her country. Additionally, Tanzania participated in the White House’s virtual summit on democracy urged by Harris, highlighting the delicate issue of America’s push for democracy in Africa.

Zambia Looks to Harris’ Visit as a Sign of Support for Democracy

Vice President Kamala Harris concluded her weeklong trip in Africa with a stop in Zambia, where she met with the newly elected former opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema. Economic progress was the focus of their chat as a necessary means to sustain open societies.

Harris’ visit holds significance as it can help galvanize enthusiasm for democracy in Africa and around the world, particularly at a time when China’s foothold on investments is becoming more significant.

During her trip, Vice President Harris emphasized women’s issues in Africa and paid respects at a memorial to the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Tanzania.

Ghana Welcomes Kamala Harris and Commends Her Commitment to Diplomacy

Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana as part of her three-nation, one-week trip across the continent seeking economic security and promoting U.S.-Africa unity. During her visit, she took a keen interest in Ghana’s arts by visiting a woman-owned gallery and a recording studio the community established, highlighting its creativities as an invaluable investment.

Ghanaian singer Amaarae met with Vice President Harris at Vibrate Space, an artists’ collective. Harris promised to keep using art and culture as a tool to demonstrate Ghana’s dynamic youth and urge for change. Harris’ trip to Africa was aimed at ensuring that China does not gain a stronger foothold in the economies in Africa.

Kamala Harris Pays Homage to the Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Cape Coast Castle in West Africa to pay tribute to the victims of the transatlantic slave trade while aiming at strengthening diplomatic relationships. Her visit highlighted her commitment to promoting justice, equality and human rights – particularly for black Americans.

Upon visiting Cape Coast Castle, Vice President Kamala Harris emerged visibly shaken from the female slave dungeon and expressed her shock and horror at the crimes committed against Africans. The castle has become a symbol for Western leaders paying penance for past wrongs and committing to an optimistic future for their descendants.

Harris emphasized the fight for justice and how all people have benefited from the struggle and fight for freedom and justice. As a show of community and a budding relationship with America’s highest-profile Black leader, Harris and Emhoff were gifted traditional Kente fabric during their visit.

As Vice President Kamala Harris’ time in Africa concludes, one thing is clear: diplomacy, cultural engagement, and humanitarianism remain important pillars in building strong relations between African nations and the U.S.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons