U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen discusses energy transition in South Africa

Janet Yellen is also expected to speak with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a closed meeting and visit a U.S.-owned Ford car plant in Pretoria.

U. S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is discussing South Africa’s transition from its heavy reliance on coal to greener energy sources during talks with the country's Finance Minister on January 26.

Ms. Yellen made brief remarks to reporters ahead of a meeting with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Pretoria but avoided mention of South Africa's recent decision to take part in joint navy drills with Russia and China off its east coast next month.

South Africa is a key U. S. and Western partner but also holds strong ties to Russia and China, and it has adopted a neutral stance over the war in Ukraine.

U. S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Zambia to discuss debt to China, public health

The announcement that South Africa would host Russian and Chinese warships for 10 days of exercises in February has raised concern at the White House. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Pretoria for an official visit earlier this week.

Ms. Yellen's 10-day trip to Africa, which has already included stops in Senegal and Zambia, is one of the first steps in the Joe Biden administration's aim of reestablishing ties on the continent of 1.3 billion, where China has rapidly increased its economic presence and Russia has gained a military foothold.

U. S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is also on a tour to Africa, and President Joe Biden has said he plans to visit this year.