Harris, the first Black person and first woman to be elected US vice president, spoke alongside Hassan - Tanzania's first female president who has been rolling back the authoritarian policies of her late predecessor John Magufuli.
Harris said the two would discuss democracy, good governance, longterm economic growth and the climate crisis during her visit to the East African country.
"On the subject of economic growth, good governance delivers predictability, stability and rules which businesses need to invest," Harris said, describing Hassan as a "champion" of democracy.
"There is so much potential for growth here."
Harris said EXIM Bank, the US government credit agency, would sign a memorandum of understanding to facilitate up to $500 million in exports to Tanzania covering transport, infrastructure, digital technology and clean energy projects.
"On the subject of economic growth, good governance delivers predictability, stability and rules which businesses need to invest," Harris said at a press briefing alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
"Working together it is our shared goal to increase investment in Tanzania and strengthen our economic ties," she said, also announcing plans to partner with Tanzania in 5G technology and cyber security.
Harris described Hassan, Tanzania's first female president who has been rolling back the authoritarian policies of her late predecessor John Magufuli, as a "champion" of democracy.
Hassan described their meeting as a "historic milestone" and referred to Harris as a "sister."
Hassan noted Tanzania's participation in a virtual summit on democracy hosted by the White House this week, saying it “sends a clear message that the fathers of democracy recognize our efforts in building a democratic nation.”
She said the meeting with Harris was “another milestone” and would be an “inspiration and a testimony to Tanzanian young girls.”
VP Harris arrived in Tanzania late Wednesday after three nights in Ghana.
During a previous meeting in Washington, Harris told Hassan that “we welcome the progress that you have made during the course of your leadership and, in particular, the work you have done to empower women leaders in Tanzania and the work you have done to support human rights.”
“There’s so much excitement here and people are saying it’s like Madam President’s efforts in changing the country are being rewarded with recognition from an economic and political superpower that is the U.S.,” said Tanzania-based analyst Mohamed Issa Hemed.
Idayat Hassan, director of the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja, Nigeria, said Harris’ visit can help galvanize enthusiasm at a time when there are concerns over backsliding into authoritarianism in Africa and around the world.
“Many people will want the U.S. to speak to the issue of democracy, which they feel is beginning to decline and is not what it used to be,” she said. “There are more that need to be assured that democracy is here to stay.”
Harris is scheduled to spend two nights in Tanzania, then conclude her weeklong trip with a stop in Zambia, another country that is striving to strengthen its democracy.
She plans to return to Washington on Sunday.
This report was sourced from Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, and Reuters.
