US Vice President Kamala Harris announced a more than $1 billion initiative to improve women's economic empowerment in Africa on Wednesday at the end of the first leg of a three-nation trip to the continent.
Ms Harris's office revealed the programme, a mixture of US government funding and private sector commitments, while in Ghana where she was visiting before travelling on to Tanzania and Zambia.
The tour follows up on a December summit held by President Joe Biden in Washington with African leaders as the US seeks to balance the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent.
Ms Harris has already announced $139 million in development and culture assistance for Ghana and a $100 million investment in stability and peace-building for coastal West African nations, who face the threat of violence spilling over from the Sahel.
The initiative for economic empowerment includes a $60 million fund for women in the digital economy and nearly $400 million from the private sector "to support closing the gender digital divide".
"Advancing the economic status of women and girls is not only a matter of human rights, justice, and fairness — it is also a strategic imperative that reduces poverty and promotes sustainable economic growth," her office said on Wednesday.
Another $528 million in private sector financing will help support women's economic empowerment in Africa, the statement said.
Closing the digital gap refers to programmes that will improve digital access and affordability for women, improve digital literacy and skills, as well as promote online security.
The US vice president on Tuesday visited Ghana's Cape Coast Castle, a Unesco World Heritage Site from where slaves were shipped to North and South America and the Caribbean.
She laid a wreath in honour of those who died during the slave trade, saying the horror of what happened there should always be remembered.
On Tuesday, in Ghana's capital Accra, Ms Harris called for more investments in innovation in Africa during a speech underlining her optimism for the continent.
She noted three areas of focus Washington believes could benefit from more investments: women's empowerment, the digital economy and good governance and democracy.
"We are all in on Africa," she added, repeating what Mr Biden said at the US-Africa leaders' summit last year.
Ms Harris left for Tanzania on Wednesday and will be in Zambia later in the week.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
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