Key points
- Lammy’s visit initiates a five-month UK-Africa consultation to align with African growth aspirations.
- Key meetings will strengthen UK-Nigeria trade under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership launched this year.
- Lammy envisions partnerships prioritizing long-term growth for African economic stability and prosperity.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy began his first visit to Africa on Sunday, starting with a stop in Nigeria.
The visit is part of a broader initiative to strengthen economic ties and engage in growth-focused diplomacy with African nations.
The visit launches a five-month consultation process to reshape UK-Africa relations, amplify African voices and align with local aspirations.
Lammy advocates long-term growth in UK-Nigeria trade
Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, stated Lammy’s agenda prioritizes deepening trade and investment ties.
He advocates for a progressive approach that prioritizes “long-term growth over short-term fixes.”
Emphasizing Africa’s growth potential
During his visit, Lammy highlighted Africa’s vast potential, noting it could make up a quarter of the global population by 2050.
He outlined a vision for partnerships, where the UK collaborates closely with African nations to support shared growth.
“Africa stands on the brink of immense growth and will comprise 25 percent of the world’s population by 2050,” Lammy said. “Our approach builds respectful partnerships that listen rather than dictate, ensuring long-term growth over short-term fixes. We aim to foster a freer, safer, and more prosperous continent.”
Strategic engagement with Nigerian leadership
This visit marks a key step in the UK’s strategy to deepen engagement in Africa. Lammy will meet with President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
They will discuss the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, launched this year to boost trade and market access between the nations.
UK-Nigeria partnership to boost jobs, prosperity
As reported by Punch, this partnership is designed to unlock economic opportunities, creating jobs and prosperity for both British and Nigerian citizens.
In line with his commitment to Nigeria’s economic reform, Lammy plans to introduce a technical assistance package. During the visit, Lammy and the UK government aim to strengthen their partnership with Nigeria for sustainable development.
