UK Wants to Enhance Its African Partnership after Brexit

Faced with the prospects of a “no Brexit deal” with the European Union, the United Kingdom looks forward to strengthening its trade relations with Africa, and particularly with English speaking African countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

Prime Minister Theresa May started Tuesday a three-day African tour that will lead her to these three former British colonies, among the fastest growing economies in the continent.

According to Downing Street, the trip “comes at a time of enormous change across Africa with a unique opportunity, as the UK moves towards Brexit, for a truly Global Britain to invest in and work alongside African nations, with mutual benefits”.

Theresa’s message to Africans will focus on a renewed partnership between the UK and Africa to maximize shared opportunities and tackle common challenges in a continent that is growing at a rapid pace.

“Africa stands right on the cusp of playing a transformative role in the global economy, and as longstanding partners this trip is a unique opportunity at a unique time for the UK to set out our ambition to work even closer together”, said the PM.

“A more prosperous, growing and trading Africa is in all of our interests and its incredible potential will only be realized through a concerted partnership between governments, global institutions and business”, added Mme May in a press release.

“As we prepare to leave the European Union, now is the time for the UK to deepen and strengthen its global partnerships. This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security”, she stressed.

During her African trip, the PM is accompanied by a business delegation made up of 29 representatives from UK business – half of which are SMEs, representing the sectors of technology, solar energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and financial services.