Vice President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris has called for a partnership between the public and private sectors to widen access to the internet in the country.

According to her, digitalisation plays a central role in the growth of economies, thus more access to the internet translates to development.

“To this end, the partnership between the public and private sectors is essential. Partnership that combines the experience and expertise of the private sector with the reach and capacity that only governments can provide.

“Together we can unleash growth and opportunity that far exceeds what either the public or private sector can achieve on its own,” she said on Tuesday.

Addressing a crowd at the Black Star Square, she explained that the internet has simplified once cumbersome activities, thereby increasing productivity.

Whilst elaborating on the need for equal access to the internet, she assured that the US is ready to build partnerships to increase inclusion on the continent.

“Expanding access to the internet drives growth and creates an opportunity for innovation and once people are online, they have greater access to education, to information, and greater access to financial services which is why the United States will double down on our efforts to mobilize billions of dollars in public and private capital from the US, the continent of Africa and around the world in order to expand internet access and for the benefit of all people here on the continent,” she added.

Also, the Vice President said that women possess a huge capacity to equally participate in leadership roles.

This she said is key to maximizing global growth and opportunity.

“Women around the world must be able to fully participate in economic, political, and social life, and they must be able to participate equally including in leadership roles,” she said.

Madam Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday. She was met by Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the Kotoka International Airport amid traditional drumming and cheers from some school pupils.

From Accra, her next location in Ghana will be Cape Coast in the Central region after which she will also visit Tanzania and Zambia.