The African Diaspora gives meaning to vice president’s historic trip

Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic Africa trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia may be over, but the economic and cultural legacy will be felt for years to come.

The trip comes just as the U.S. is resetting its relationship with the continent. In August, the White House released a new U.S.-Africa strategy followed by the fanfare of the U.S.-African Leaders Summit in December, where 49 African heads of state convened in Washington. 

Over the last three months, five Cabinet members and 18 senior U.S. officials traveled to Africa. Harris’ trip reinforces the new U.S. posture toward Africa, setting the stage for the president’s own travel to the continent later this year.

Harris didn’t shy away from addressing some of the continent’s challenges, especially Africa’s debt, energy, and food insecurities along with governance concerns. But the resounding theme of her trip highlighted a variety of mutually beneficial partnerships through enhanced trade and investment. 

Africa is rich in natural resources, including critical minerals key to the planet’s renewable future and essential to stemming climate change. Moreover, Africa holds 69% of the world’s arable land and has the potential to be a global breadbasket.

In addition to recognizing Africa’s immense natural resources, Harris expressed appreciation for Africa’s human resource potential. The median age on the continent is 19 and by 2050, nearly one-quarter of the earth’s inhabitants will live in Africa. 

Harris expressed the importance of capitalizing on young African ‘dreamers’ who were entrepreneurial and innovative. Her speeches also singled out the role of women. She announced a $1 billion public-private Global Initiative geared toward building economic empowerment and security for women and youth in Africa.

Buoyed by President Biden’s $55 billion pledge to Africa during the December summit, she underscored themes of collaboration through public-private partnerships like the Digital Transformation Initiative for Africa. By collaborating with the private sector on the continent, the U.S. government can be exponentially more impactful than it could be on its own. 

But beyond the potential for stronger U.S.-Africa trade and development, it was impossible to ignore the historic significance of the first-ever member of the African Diaspora to rise to the role of U.S. vice president visiting Africa. 

The importance of the Diaspora was a continuous refrain during her trip. When visiting the slave dungeons at Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle, she spoke of the necessity of learning history despite the pain and the “anguish (that) reeks from this place.” 

Harris also visited Ghana’s Black Star Square, a monument representing freedom from colonialism, noting Ghana’s outreach to the Diaspora through its “Year of the Return.” In a touching reminder of Harris’ own Diaspora story, she visited her grandfather’s old residence in Zambia.

In Tanzania, Harris met with President Samia Hassan, as two Black women ‘firsts’ to serve in their positions. The meeting allowed Harris to draw attention to strides President Hassan had made in strengthening democracy. There, Harris also announced US plans to finance exports in sectors related to digital technology, transportation, and power generation.

Harris also acknowledged the recent passing of Randall Robinson, an African American icon who, as the founder of TransAfrica, was a leading advocate in establishing ties with the Diaspora. Robinson inspired a global outcry and advocated for people of African descent worldwide. A renewed commitment to Robinson’s legacy could arguably help to augur in the new posture toward Africa.

Indeed, the Diaspora, both recent immigrants, and descendants symbolized by those enslaved at Ghana’s Cape Coast, can strengthen a new chapter of inclusion that promotes great possibility for the continent. 

At December’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, President Biden announced the creation of a U.S. Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. The Council will be guided by the expertise and perspectives that emanate from the Diaspora. This group, along with others, will help interpret this reset in U.S.-Africa relations. 

Harris’s trip undoubtedly deepened economic and cultural ties the U.S. and Africa share, and built momentum for a deeper, mutually beneficial relationship. But beyond that, in an era where African news is often spun in negative terms, Harris’ travels were brimming with positivity and promise.

Anne-Marea Griffin is a senior fellow for National Security and International Policy at American Progress. She is an international development professional who has focused her professional life on African affairs, philanthropy, and program management.