US Vice President Kamala Harris Set To Visit Zambia

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Zambia in late March, as part of her African tour which includes Ghana and Tanzania.

This makes her the 18th and most senior American official to visit Africa this year.

The visit is significant, as the US and Russia compete for influence in Africa while the war in Ukraine continues. Harris’ visit could set the stage for President Joe Biden’s eventual arrival, as he vowed to visit Africa during the US Africa Leaders Summit in December.

Although Africa has some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, it faces challenges such as insurgencies, corruption, and weak governance.

The US recognizes that Africa will shape the future of the global economy and has made it a priority.

This is reflected in the number of high-profile visits to the continent this year, including First Lady Jill Biden’s visits to Namibia and Kenya and US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen’s visits to Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.

Edward Burrier, a senior advisor for private sector engagement at the US Institute of Peace, called these visits “supercharged” because they are moving “beyond the typical secretary of state visits”.

However, the US faces competition from traditional rivals China and recently, Russia, which has strengthened its relations with African nations.

The trip represents a major turning point to Zambia’s visibility as a major global player with the US committing itself to investment and bilateral relations.