“A moment of promise for Africa,” is the slogan that US President Barack Obama will be touting during his tour in Africa between June 26 and July 1 in which he will underscore America’s commitment to cement economic and trade ties with the continent.
President Barack Obama
“During the visit, Mr Obama will seek to reinforce US focus in Africa on areas such as economic cooperation, strengthening institutions of democracy and investing in the next generation of African leaders,” US Ambassador to Tanzania, Alfonso Lenhardt told reporters in Dar es Salaam on Monday.
The envoy said, however, that he had no details on the exact date the US leader will jet in Tanzania and how long he will stay in the country, stating that “Tanzania will probably be the last country in the tour.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Membe hinted recently that Mr Obama will arrive in Dar es Salaam on July 1, also indicating that the American president will spend three days in the country.
Mr Obama is expected to be accompanied by his wife, Michele and probably daughters Sasha and Malia, according to the American envoy. The American leader is also expected to visit Senegal and South Africa in the seven-day tour.
Tanzania is the only country in the five-member East African Community (EAC) that will be visited by Mr Obama, who will also use the tour to underline trade potential of the regional block through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mr Lenradt said President Obama will meet government officials, the business community, civil society and themedia.
The envoy informed journalists with a tinge of pride how hard he had worked since he landed into the country to ensure that the American leader visits Tanzania. Responding to queries from journalists, Mr Lenhardt declared that the visit by the US president has nothing to do with natural resources in countries he will be visiting, including Tanzania.
“America is not looking for resources because we have sufficient resources of our own. We are willing to have a strategic partnership with Tanzania because of its commitment to build strong institutions of democracy.
United States is among major development partners with Tanzania and last year alone it provided the latter with over US 750 million in bilateral assistance in health, education, power and infrastructure, among others.
The first black US President with paternal roots in neighbouring Kenya will be accompanied by a delegation of 700 people, which will include private business people, diplomats and government officials.
By ALVAR MWAKYUSA, Tanzania Daily News
