Minister for Africa visits Yorkshire to highlight trade opportunities

THE minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, has highlighted the emerging business opportunities in Africa.

During a visit to Leeds, organised in tandem with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the minister delivered the keynote address at a UKTI ‘Africa Business’ event offering expert first-hand insight. He also spoke at a reception hosted by Barclays and DLA Piper to explore trade opportunities in Africa.

The minister explained how companies can benefit from the work he is spearheading in Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania, which have an average growth rate of more than 6%.

Simmonds said: “I am focused on delivering a step change in the business UK companies do in African markets, which I recognise are not necessarily countries exporters would naturally look to. 

“There are many opportunities across Africa where UK companies can provide the investment and expertise to tap into agricultural, manufacturing and service industries. When I visited Cote d’Ivoire in January for a major investment forum, UK companies outstripped others in their business in mining and housing amongst others. The story is similar in Tanzania, where British Gas Group has invested £3bn in the last 3 years and the country has a goal of reaching middle income status by 2025.

“However, this positive story has to be balanced with the challenges of working in Africa. This Government has a clear objective of working to improve the business environment and address capacity constraints. This in turn will help create the conditions for increased business for UK companies in a continent where 6 of the fastest growing economies globally are to be found.”