Growth at the Heart of Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Nigeria and South Africa
November 3, 2024
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has embarked on a visit to Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the UK’s commitment to boosting growth and deepening economic ties with both countries.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, Cleverly met with President Muhammadu Buhari and Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama to discuss a range of issues, including:
- Trade and Investment: The UK is Nigeria’s second largest trading partner, and discussions focused on increasing trade volumes and attracting investment in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
- Security: Nigeria faces significant security challenges, and Cleverly reiterated the UK’s support for the country’s efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime.
- Climate Change: Both countries discussed the urgent need to address climate change, with Nigeria set to host the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2026.
South Africa
In South Africa, Cleverly met with President Cyril Ramaphosa and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor to explore areas of mutual interest:
- Climate and Energy: South Africa is a major producer of coal, but is committed to transitioning to a greener economy. Discussions focused on supporting the country’s transition through investments in renewable energy and green technology.
- Infrastructure Development: South Africa’s infrastructure is in need of significant investment, and the UK expressed interest in partnering with South Africa to develop infrastructure projects that boost economic growth and create jobs.
- Trade and Investment: The UK is South Africa’s largest foreign investor, and Cleverly emphasized the importance of building on this strong foundation to create further economic opportunities.
Economic Growth and Prosperity
Throughout his visit, Cleverly emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and South Africa.
“Our shared ambition is to create a more prosperous future for all our citizens,” Cleverly said. “The UK is a long-standing friend and partner to both Nigeria and South Africa, and we are eager to explore new opportunities for growth and development.”
Additional Details
- Cleverly’s visit is part of the UK’s “Global Britain” initiative, which aims to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with countries around the world.
- The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by representatives from British businesses and organizations looking to expand their operations in Nigeria and South Africa.
- The visit was seen as a positive step towards enhancing the UK’s economic presence in Africa, where China has significantly increased its influence in recent years.
Growth at the heart of Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria and South Africa
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