Obama wraps up Africa tour

2013-07-02 38

TV AND WEB RESTRICTIONS~**NO ACCESS USA/CNN/AOL/YAHOO/WIRELESS *~

Tanzania gives U.S. President Barack Obama a colourful send off as he wraps up an eight-day tour of Africa on Tuesday.

Some see the visit to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania as an attempt to play catch-up with competitor China in the fast-growing continent.

Earlier in the day, Obama and his predecessor George W. Bush commemorated victims of the 1998 bombing at the U.S. embassy in Dar es Salaam.

Obama also announced a trade initiative and efforts to stop wildlife trafficking.

Meanwhile, First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush highlighted women's health and welfare at a summit for the first ladies of Africa.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. FIRST LADY MICHELE OBAMA, SAYING:

"Women and girls are at the key to our salvation as a civilization and we all have to understand that as we make decisions about investment in health and education."

Laura Bush also announced a new initiati