WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama will visit three African nations this summer.

The White House says the president and first lady Michelle Obama will leave on June 26, stopping in Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. Obama will meet with government figures as well as leaders from the business, civil society and youth communities.

The administration says the visit highlights the importance of close U.S. ties to sub-Saharan Africa.

Obama visited the African nation of Ghana in July 2009, early into his first term. In March, he met with leaders from four Africa nations at the White House and discussed trade issues and ways to strengthen democracy in Africa. The White House is also concerned about threats from militant extremists in North Africa.