US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit three African countries to re-affirm Capitol Hill’s commitment to relations with partners on the continent. 

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said late last week that Blinken will visit Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal from November 15 to 20, 2021, to underscore the depth and breadth of the United States' relationships with its African partners. 

He will advance priorities like collaboration on ending the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, building back to a more inclusive economy, combatting the climate crisis, revitalising democracies, and advancing peace and security.

“Blinken will begin his trip in Nairobi, where he will meet Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo, affirming our strategic partnership with Kenya,” Price said in a press release. 

He said the Secretary and representatives of the Kenyan government will discuss shared interests as members of UN Security Council, including addressing regional security issues such as Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan. 

The Secretary will advance US-Kenyan cooperation on ending COVID-19, improving clean energy access and protecting the environment.  He will underscore US support for a peaceful inclusive Kenyan election in 2022.

Blinken will then travel to Abuja to meet Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, revitalising democracy, expanding energy access and economic growth.

“The Secretary will deliver a speech on U.S.-Africa policy in the capital of Africa’s largest democracy. The Secretary will engage with Nigerian entrepreneurs in the digital sector,” said Price. 

Blinken will conclude his trip in Dakar, where he will meet with Senegal’s President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall to reaffirm the close partnership between the two countries. 

“Given President Sall’s upcoming African Union chairmanship, Secretary Blinken looks forward to discussing regional issues and shared values,” said Price. 

Blinken will engage in events highlighting America’s strong commercial relationship with Senegal, amplify Senegalese female entrepreneurs’ role and showcase the US partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.