U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starts her tour of Africa with a visit to Senegal. Analysts say the seven-nation trip is meant to counter China's growing influence in the resource-rich continent.
Throughout her 10-day trip, the State Department says Clinton will highlight U.S. plans to strengthen democratic institutions, expand development, spur economic growth, and advance peace and security in Africa.
But analysts told VOA that part of that strategy involves challenging the role of China, which last month announced massive new investment across the rapidly growing continent.
At a summit between African and Chinese leaders in Beijing in July, China pledged $20 billion in new loans to Africa over the next three years - double the amount it offered during the previous three year period.
Trade between China and African countries has surged as Beijing looks for resources to fuel its economic boom, reaching a record $166 billion last year.
Viano says Washington does not want to lose out on important business interests in Africa, which is home to some of the world's fastest growing economies.
The trip will take Clinton to Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, and Ghana.