Kamala Harris Promises To Support African Innovation In Ghana

Vice President Kamala Harris pledged a new era of partnership with Africa on Tuesday when she spoke from Black Star Gate, which commemorates Ghana's independence from colonialism.

The speech, delivered on her second full day in Ghana, is part of a week-long journey that will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia. 

Harris is the most visible member of President Joe Biden's cabinet to visit Africa as the United States expands its engagement with the region.

"Together, we will address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead," she adds in excerpts from her speech supplied by her office.

Much of the vice president's speech centres on innovation and entrepreneurship, as part of her efforts to promote Africa as a destination for American private-sector investment. 

It's something Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed optimism about after years of being disregarded.

"We want to change that dynamic," Akufo-Addo said after meeting with Harris on Monday.

Harris intended to see the Cape Coast Castle after her lecture, a beachside fort where enslaved Africans were put onto ships destined for the Americas. Harris had also intended to speak there.

The United States' outreach is part of a global fight over Africa's future, with China and Russia protecting their interests in the region.

During her visit here, though, Harris has been cautious to minimize the impact of geopolitical rivalry.

In the remarks for her speech on Tuesday, Harris says, "America will be guided not by what we can do for our African partners, but by what we can do with our African partners."

Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, attended a banquet meal thrown by Akufo-Addo on Monday evening.

American celebrities, organisations, and civil rights activists joined leaders from both countries.

Among the guests were actors Idris Elba and Rosario Dawson, as well as director Spike Lee.