U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to undertake African tour next month

Janet Yellen, the United States Secretary of the Treasury, will undertake mid-January a trip to Sub Sahara Africa following the U.S-Africa summit during which President Joe Biden pledged a win-win partnership in reaction to Russia’s and China’s growing presence in Africa.

The former Chair of the Federal Reserve, according to her department, will visit South Africa, Zambia and Senegal from Jan. 17-28.

She will discuss the spillover effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Africa’s food supply. Other topics will include how the U.S. is working with African leaders to promote an energy transition that factors in the impacts of climate change in Africa and how to prepare for future pandemics through the Pandemic Fund.

The visit was announced few days after President Biden hosted several African leaders for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

During the Summit, the White House announced plans to spend $2 billion to help bolster food security on the continent and promised a win-win partnership with Africa as the Biden Administration strives to curb China’s and Russia’s growing influence.

Washington is planning several trips on the continent next year, including by Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and a number of Cabinet secretaries.