US Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to lift itself from the doldrums if its leaders are willing and ready to invest in innovation and human resource development.
She believes that is one of the key factors to the continent’s success and has thus urged African governments to continue investing heavily in African ingenuity and creativity, which she believes will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities.
This was when she delivered a public lecture at the Black Star (Independence) Square in Accra, yesterday.
She lauded the efforts of some African countries that have been leveraging on technology and innovations to make progress in their respective economies.
“Innovation results in one’s ability not only to see, but to do things differently. New methods, new products, new approaches and new ideas. We innovate to be more effective and to solve problems,” she said.
The US Vice President cited some innovations being pioneered by African nations and applauded Ghana for using medical drones to deliver more than nine million vaccines and emergency blood supplies to hard-to-reach areas.
The medical drone delivery services is also being expanded to Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya to improve healthcare delivery.
She lauded Kenya for also revolutionalising digital mobile phone payment system and helping to advance financial inclusion for people.
Next was South Africa for embarking on a project to construct the largest radio telescope to help answer some of the intriguing questions about humanity, galaxy and gravity.
Tanzania also got a mention for starting a facility to process some minerals to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles, whilst Malawi received thumps up for constructing energy and battery storage systems while Nigeria was mentioned for hosting some fintech start-up companies in Africa.
The US Vice President therefore encouraged the youth of Africa to strive to cultivate new ideas and approaches in solving problems, since she believes that technology, science and innovation were indispensable tools in promoting Africa’s development and economic growth.
She thus pledged that the “Joe Biden Administration and the American people stand ready to partner with you and to help accelerate the innovation and entrepreneurship that are underway in Africa.”
She stated that the innovations happening across the African continent in sciences, agriculture and clean energy would ultimately solve local and global problems.
“To young leaders here today, you, by your nature, are dreamers and innovators. And to you, I say it is your spark, your creativity and determination that will drive the future,” Ms Harris stated.
She however identified some grievous challenges facing the African continent, chief among which was the issue of security in the Sahel region, drought and floods that had deepened climate crisis.
“We must tackle these challenges head-on and find ways to accelerate our opportunities, growth and stability.
“I believe we must be intentional to make progress in these areas- the empowerment of women, digital inclusion, good governance and democracy,” the US Vice President emphasised.
Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday and expected to leave for Tanzania and Zambia until April 2, 2023, as part of the US government’s effort to strengthen ties with Africa.