America will invest heavily in African countries. This was stated by US Vice President Kamala Harris who visited the continent this week. The investments are aimed at counterbalancing the influence of rival China, Reuters news agency reported on Sunday.

China is ahead of the US. In recent years, China has already invested heavily in the continent, including in infrastructure development. Russian influence on the African continent has grown due to the efforts of the Russian Wagner Group. European influence on the other hand continues to decline.

Economic development

Harris heads to the continent this week, where he will visit countries including Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Reuters news agency reported this on Sunday. “During this visit, I plan to carry out work aimed at increasing investment. I also want to contribute to facilitating economic growth and opportunities,’ he says. In December, ahead of the US-Africa summit, the US pledged $55 billion to the continent over the next three years.

During the visit, Harris will also discuss China’s involvement in economic issues in Africa. US officials said this last week. According to Reuters, the Biden administration is trying to provide an alternative to China along this path.

Harris will meet with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo this week and visit the Elmina slave fortress during his visit. Slaves were shipped to America from this fort during the slave trade. Biden has never visited the continent as president.

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