During her visit to Tanzania on Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced plans to enhance trade and investment in the country, as part of her wider tour of Africa aimed at strengthening relationships with the continent. Harris had begun her trip in Ghana on Sunday before traveling to Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, where she met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The two leaders expressed their desire to boost economic investment in Tanzania, with Harris detailing several initiatives, including a new memorandum of understanding between the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Tanzanian government. This agreement will enable up to $500 million in financing for U.S. companies exporting goods and services to Tanzania, in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, digital technology, climate and energy security, and power generation.
Additionally, Harris mentioned a partnership in 5G technology and cybersecurity, as well as a plan by LifeZone Metals to open a new processing plant in Tanzania for minerals used in electric vehicle batteries.
This plant will supply battery-grade nickel to the United States and the global market from 2026. The U.S. is seeking to strengthen its economic ties with Africa, as China and Russia increasingly gain influence on the continent.
