Antony Blinken, United States’ Secretary of State, will visit Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, and Cabo Verde between January 21 and 26, 2024.

Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, revealed this on Thursday, saying the official trips are for Antony Blinken to examine the impacts of the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders in socio-economic conditions of the people living in the four listed African countries.

The statement reads: “Throughout the trip, the Secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food, and health security. He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.

“Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law. He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The United States reaffirms its sustained commitment to high-level U.S. engagement with Africa,” the statement added.

Recall that in December, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit demonstrated a renewed commitment of the United States to expand partnerships with African countries, institutions, and people. As part of this revitalised and expanded cooperation, the United States intends to invest $55 billion in Africa over the next three years.

In addition, U.S. and African businesses, governments, and investors showcased investments and partnerships, now valued at $16.2 billion, orchestrated through the U.S.-Africa Business Forum. A summary of each commitment is below. This factsheet is a living document and will be updated as commitments from the Summit continue to evolve