US President Barack Obama will visit Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania in June, the White House has said.Obama is expected to meet lawmakers as well as business and civil society leaders and youth on his trip.The June 26-July 3 visit will be Obama’s second to sub-Saharan Africa as president. He spent less than a day in Ghana in 2009.Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both visited Africa during their second terms in office. Clinton visited six countries while Bush went to five.“The president will reinforce the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders,” the White House said in a statement.“The trip will underscore the president’s commitment to broadening and deepening cooperation between the US and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity.”Obama’s strategyAnalysts say such trips are common for US presidents after they are relieved of the pressure of domestic campaigning.First Lady Michelle Obama is due to accompany Obama on his trip.In June last year, White House announced a new US strategy for sub-Saharan Africa, which focuses on the continent’s economic potential. It also explores issues related to democracy, security and development.President Obama said African democracy had improved but corruption was endemic in many countries and state institutions were weak.The strategy comes as China’s presence on the continent continues to grow through investment and trade.“As we look toward the future, it is clear that Africa is more important than ever to the security and prosperity of the international community, and to the United States in particular,” said Obama, the US-born son of a Kenyan man. Obama said he would work with Congress to develop preferential trade agreements with African countries, while fighting al-Qaeda and its affiliates on the continent.
