UK MPs, Ministers and Trade Envoys, leaders of major international blue chip businesses and High Commissioners from eighteen African states convened to open the program. It will support UK and African businesses to trade more effectively with each other, will drive inward investment in a post-Brexit, post-COVID-19 environment and, unlike other programs, will ensure essential mid market businesses are not overlooked.
(Top Row: Left to Right). Ambassador Joachim Kamere, Deputy High Commissioner, Kenya High Commission. His Excellency Papa Owusu-Ankomah, High Commissioner, Ghana High Commission. Paul Scully MP, Minister for London and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets). Her Excellency Nomatemba Tambo, High Commissioner,High Commission for the Republic of South Africa. Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP. Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Executive Governor of Niger State. Baroness Hoey, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ghana. Anthony Martin, Director Africa Trade and Programme Director, Unlock Africa.
(Bottom Row: Left to Right) Emmanuel Finndoro-Obasi, Business, Trade & Investment Director, Africa House London. Richard Semitego, Director for Government and Public Sector, Africa House London. Andrew Boff, Chairman of the Board, Africa House London.
Andrew Boff, Chairman of Africa House London, commented:
“In a post-pandemic, post-Brexit world, it is imperative that the UK continues to promote and develop trade relationships with African countries. This is essential both for its own and for Africa's economic recovery.”
“In 2019 eight of the fifteen fastest growing economies were located in Africa. In the year 2050, 1 in 4 consumers will be situated in Africa with 1/5 of the world’s population. Therefore we believe the UK and Africa must capitalise on long-standing ties to create a fruitful and prosperous partnership.”
“UK mid-market businesses are often overlooked by existing trade programs despite their crucial role as employers. It’s these businesses that can move the dial for UK trade into Africa and help Britain maintain its competitive position. If we don’t support our medium sized businesses we will miss out as other nations fill the need.”