U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will meet South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on Jan. 25 during her visit to the country, the Treasury said on Monday.
"She will meet with government, business, and civil society counterparts to discuss how to strengthen our bilateral relationship and address regional and global issues of concern, including deepening economic ties and advancing a just energy transition," it said.
South Africa is the third stop on Yellen's Africa tour, following visits to Senegal and Zambia.
Analysts say Yellen's trip is part of a concerted effort to maintain Washington's footprint on Africa, especially in the face of concerted Chinese effort to build infrastructure, make loans, and influence decision-making. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has also been touring Africa.
As Africa struggles with economic headwinds caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and, notably, Washington's own monetary policy, Africans are asking for proof the United States will stay the course this time.
Yellen, so far, is at pains to make guarantees.
"I don't know how I can give assurances, honestly," she told Reuters in an interview en route from Senegal to Zambia. But Republicans and Democrats alike support long-standing initiatives, including in the areas of health and trade, she said.
