US Vice President Kamala Harris announced today from Ghana a $1 billion initiative to improve the economic empowerment of women in Africa.

Harris’ office unveiled the program, which will be partially financed by the private sector, after the first leg of her tour of the African continent was completed. Immediately after, the vice president left Ghana for Tanzania.

Harris’ tour, which will run until April 2, is a follow-up to the US-Africa summit held in December in Washington. At that meeting, US President Joe Biden pledged to strengthen Washington’s cooperation with Africa, as a counterweight to the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent.

Harris has already announced several measures, including providing $139 million for economic and cultural development in Ghana and investing $100 million in coastal West African countries at risk from Sahel jihadists.

The new initiative for the economic emancipation of its women Africa will help to “close the gap between men and women”.

“Improving the economic status of women and girls is not just a matter of human rights, justice and equality, it is an imperative strategy that will reduce poverty and foster sustainable economic growth,” Harris’ office said.

On Tuesday, Harris called for increased investment in Africa, particularly in the areas of the digital economy, good governance and democracy.

Later this week the vice president will visit Zambia, the last stop on her African tour.