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US Finance Minister Janet Yellen on Tuesday visited several African countries for 11 days after detouring through Switzerland to strengthen ties with the US in a continent where China is a major player. flew to
After the first stage in Switzerland, where the Treasury Secretary will meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in Zurich, Ms Yellen will travel to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa.
The visit comes weeks after the Africa-U.S. Summit in Washington in December, during which the White House announced billions of dollars in investments over the next few years.
As China and Russia seek to increase their influence in Africa, the United States finds itself on the defensive, trying to defend its position on the continent.
Despite the announcement at the summit, “we have to move forward” on aid to African countries, said Susan Page, a former U.S. ambassador to South Sudan and a professor at the University of Michigan.
“(Editor’s Note) I think the main purpose of the visit is to position ourselves in relation to China. We want African countries to be viewed as they are, not as battlefields between great powers. It’s a pity because I’m here,” said Paige when asked by AFP who regretted it.
On the first leg of her visit, Yellen will meet with Senegalese President Macky Sall in Dakar on Friday, according to the finance ministry, where she will also serve as the current president of the African Union.
U.S. ministers should use the opportunity to highlight U.S. efforts to strengthen partnerships and economic ties with African countries “by raising the bar on both investment and trade flows,” according to the Treasury Department. be.
Janet Yellen then meets with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and several senior officials. Hichilema, who came to power after the 2021 elections and won over incumbent Edgar his president Lungu, has promised to strengthen Zambia’s financial confidence after taking over its battered economy.
US ministers should also announce joint efforts to prepare for health and future pandemics, but also food security.
On the final leg of her visit, Yellen will meet with her South African counterpart, Enoch Godongwana, and Central Bank Governor Lesetcha Kganyago.
During her stay in Africa, Janet Yellen must stress the importance of better access to renewable energy and “highlight the consequences” of the war in Ukraine.
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