United States (US) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced a US$533 million aid package to fight famine and food insecurity in Africa.

Tillerson also elevated trade and investment, citing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as a key priority area during his recent trip to Africa.

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A US State Department statement said the visit also signaled a shift towards securing stability in Africa, especially in the Horn of Africa, which is a hot-bed for conflict and has also been plagued by consecutive droughts.

“Stability in Africa is dependent on security. Without it, none of the other pieces can be put in place,” Tillerson said.

Tillerson’s trip highlighted flagship US foreign aid programs in what analysts viewed as an attempt to counter China’s influence on the continent.