By RFIPosted on 20-01-2020Modified on 20-01-2020 at 04:04

Twenty African countries and fifteen heads of state are expected to attend the first Britain-Africa Investment Summit on Monday. Britain is positioning itself in the post-Brexit perspective and hopes to strengthen its economic ties with Africa, with the aim of increasing trade and investment, particularly in energy and sustainable cities.

Post- Brexit England sees itself as a global power open to the world, and this first Anglo-African summit will be an opportunity for London to demonstrate this. Asked by the Financial Times , the head of the CDC, the British development agency, believes that Africa must become a priority for English investors.

London, which in recent years has fallen behind on the continent vis-à-vis countries like China, the United States and even France, intends to renew ties and strengthen its presence. Last year, trade with Africa jumped almost 14% to £ 36 billion and investment 7.5% to £ 39 billion. A trend that the British want to reinforce especially in the mining and energy sectors.

Trade and the need to form new agreements, once leaving the European Union, will also be at the heart of discussions with African leaders. The fact remains that London, which will no longer be able to rely on community relays, will have to compensate for an inevitable loss of economic influence. And this at a time when the African continent is working to form a continental free trade area.

Among the heads of state expected in London, let us quote the Congolese Félix Tshisekedi, the Nigerian Muhammadu Buhari or the Kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta. On the other hand, the South African Cyril Ramaphosa will not travel because of the internal problems his country is going through (energy crisis), nor the Zimbabwean Emerson Mnangagwa who has not been invited.

    On the same subject

    Southern Africa is also preparing for the trade consequences of Brexit

    The importance of Cameroon's stability in Central Africa

    Putin welcomes "new page" opened with Africa in Sochi

    Sochi summit: the great Russian offensive in Africa

    comments