U.S. first lady Michelle Obama is in Johannesburg, South Africa where she met Tuesday with anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

Mrs. Obama met with the 92-year-old former president at his home, after visiting the offices of the Mandela Foundation. While there, the Obama family viewed archival items such as Mr. Nelson's prison desk and notebooks.

The first lady is on a week-long trip to Africa where she will promote youth empowerment. Mrs. Obama is accompanied by her daughters, Malia and Sasha and her mother, Marian Robinson.

Mrs. Obama arrived in the capital, Pretoria on Monday and met Tuesday morning with one of President Jacob Zuma's wives, Nompumelelo Zuma.

Before embarking on the trip, the first lady said she will encourage young Africans to take a lead in helping to solve Africa's problems, including poverty, disease and climate change. She also said she will highlight the importance of health and education.

After visiting South Africa, Mrs. Obama will travel to Botswana for a two-day visit.

The Africa trip is Mrs. Obama's second official overseas trip without her husband, following a visit to Mexico last year.