The United States Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will begin a seven-nation trip next week during she will visit a range of key countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Clinton begins her trip in Kenya, after she will travel in turn to Southern, Central and West Africa, stopping in South Africa, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Liberia and Cape Verde.
Announcing her visit, the U.S. State Department said that in Kenya, Clinton will focus on the linkages between investment and economic growth as well as opportunities provided to African countries through the U.S. law, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The department said in a press release that in Nigeria and Liberia, Clinton "will bring close attention to the Obama adminstration's commitment to helping nations around the world implement self-sufficient and sustainable food security." It added that Clinton will call for stronger African links with global markets and knowledge networks.
Her visit will underline the commitment of the U.S. to work with governments, the private sector, NGOs and private citizens to build societies where each individual can realize their potential, the department added.
She will be joined in Kenya by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, and the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson. Clinton will deliver a speech at the ministerial opening ceremony of this year's AGOA Forum, participate in bilateral meetings with Kenya's senior leaders and engage with members of civil society.
