Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris has emphasized the need for global investments on the African continent as she believes the continent is the “hub of innovation, ideas and technology shaping the world”.
Speaking at a public lecture at the monumental Black Star square during her visit to Ghana, Kamala Harris commended African countries for pioneering the use of drones to deliver healthcare supplies.
She noted that Ghana has achieved ground-breaking feat in its health facility with the delivery of over 9 million vaccines, including those for Covid-19 while countries like Rwanda have reduced the delivery time for emergency blood supplies.
“Right now African Nations are pioneering the delivery of healthcare supplies by drones. In Rwanda, this has reduced the delivery time for emergency blood supplies. In Ghana, the service has delivered more than 9 million vaccines including those for Covid 19,” she said.
The US Vice President noted that the drone delivery service has also expanded to Kenya, Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, and even to the United States in North Carolina, Arkansas, and Utah.
She further called on the world to take note of the incredible advancements in African technology, which has expanded beyond healthcare.
“In South Africa, part of the world’s largest radio telescope is under construction. Which will help answer some of the biggest questions of humanity. About galaxies, about gravity,” she said. “In Tanzania, plans are underway to build the first facility of its kind on the continent to process minerals that go into electric vehicle batteries. We see water-based farming in Kenya, battery energy storage systems in Malawi, and Fintech startups in Nigeria. African ideas and innovations are shaping the world.”
Kamala Harris urged the international community to invest in Africa’s innovative ideas and technologies, saying, “The hub of innovation is in Africa, and it deserves global investments.” She emphasized that the US is committed to partnering with Africa to create more opportunities for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.