British Prime Minister Theresa May will visit three African countries, including Nigeria, on Wednesday.
According
to a statement by the UK government, May will meet with President
Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja and also spend time in Lagos, where she is
expected to visit victims of modern slavery.
She would also visit Kenya and South Africa.
The
visit comes at a time the UK is moving towards Brexit and seeking to
invest in and work alongside African nations, with mutual benefits.
The
prime minister will be joined by a business delegation made up of 29
representatives from UK business – half of which are small and medium
enterprises SMEs – from across all regions of the UK and its devolved
administrations.
“The Prime Minister’s central message will be
focused on a renewed partnership between the UK and Africa, which will
seek to maximise shared opportunities and tackle common challenges in a
continent that is growing at a rapid pace – from the Sahara to South
Africa,” the UK government said in a statement.
“As Africa seeks
to meet the needs of its growing population the visit will also
emphasise that it is in the world’s interest to help secure African
stability, jobs and growth because conflict, poor work prospects and
economic instability will continue to encourage migration and dangerous
journeys to Europe.
“Because nations cannot prosper without
security, the prime minister will also use the visit to announce further
support to tackle instability across the region.”
May said she
is proud to lead a delegation to Africa, expressing delight over being
the first British prime minister to visit Kenya in 30 years.
“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,” She was quoted to have said.
“A more prosperous,
growing and trading Africa is in all of our interests and its incredible
potential will only be realised through a concerted partnership between
governments, global institutions and business.
“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.”
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