British Premier Theresa Visits Nigeria, Kenya And SA
As part of the many efforts to bolster Africa’s growing economy, British Prime Minister Theresa May is visiting the most populous black nation, Kenya and South Africa this week.
In line with a statement released by the government of the United Kingdom, May will be meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja and also spend some time in Lagos, where she is expected to visit victims of modern slavery.
This visit is being facilitated by UK’s recent move towards Brexit, seeking to invest in and synergise with African nations, with hope to realise mutual benefits. As one of the expected highlights of the trip, May is being accompanied by a business delegation comprising 29 UK business representatives, half of which will be Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from across all regions in the United Kingdom and her devoted administrations.
The statement by the UK government further divulges that the Primes Minister’s central message will focus on renewing collaboration between the UK and Africa- the first step in the many on the quest to maximising shared opportunities and tackling common challenges in a rapidly growing continent – from the Sahara to South Africa.
“As Africa seeks to meet the needs of its growing population, the visit will as well emphasise that it is in the world’s interest to help secure African stability, jobs and growth”, the statement informed. This view stands because poor work prospects and economic stability will continue to encourage migration and dangerous journeys to Europe.
For the fact that nations cannot thrive in the absence of security, Theresa May, during this visit, will be announcing further support tailored to tackle instability across the region. The Prime Minister expressed her excitement and pride to be the leader of a historic delegation to Africa, disclosing her delight over being the first British Prime Minister to visit Kenya in 30 years.
May was quoted to have said that Africa stands at the very top of the cusp of playing a transformative role in the global economy and that as longstanding partners, the trip is a unique avenue at a unique time for the UK to set our ambition to work even closer together.
According to her: “ A more prosperous, growing and trading Africa in all of our interests and its incredible potential will only come to reality if there are concerted efforts between governments, global institutions and business”.
“As we are set to leave the European Union, now is time for the United Kingdom to deepen and strengthen its global partnerships. This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help in the delivery of important investment jobs, as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security”, she said.
News reaching the ecosystem as of now informs that Theresa May has landed in South Africa’s legislative capital on board the RAF Voyager following a 12-hour flight. She is expected to declare her desire for the UNK to get in front of the US to become the G7’s leading investor in Africa by 2022. Set to speak at the First National Bank in Cape Town, she is expected to say the private sector is key in driving growth in labour markets and unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit in Africa.
Image Courtesy: Daily Express
