Kamala Harris unveils $1 billion for African women's empowerment

Kamala Harris announced the initiative while in Ghana

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Ghanaian women entrepreneurs in Accra, Ghana, on March 29. AFP

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.

Ms Harris meets with traditional leaders at Cape Coast Castle in Ghana on Tuesday, March 28. AP

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.

US Vice President Kamala Harris starts a three-country tour of Africa, promoting the White House's positive vision of the continent as the 'future of the world'. AFP

Ms Harris's trip to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, is the latest salvo in deepening US engagement with a continent largely ignored under the previous administration. AFP

Workers roll out a red carpet as Ms Harris visits the African continent for the first time in an official capacity. Getty Images

Ms Harris is on a seven-day African visit that will also take her to Tanzania and Zambia. AP

Schoolchildren wave Ghanaian and US flags to welcome Ms Harris. Getty Images

Ms Harris takes time to shake hands with some of the children. AFP

Ms Harris is welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. AFP

Ms Harris poses with President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo as she arrives for their meeting at the Jubilee House presidential palace in Accra. AFP

Mr Akufo-Addo introduces Ms Harris to some of the country's ministers upon her arrival. Reuters

Ms Harris's trip comes after a December summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Washington with US leaders and counterparts from Africa, a continent where China and Russia are enjoying rising influence. AFP

Ms Harris addresses a news conference. AP