By Faridat Salifu
Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to commence a visit to Nigeria and South Africa , marking his first trip to the African continent in his current role and the first UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to South Africa since 2013.
Lammy’s trip underscores the UK government’s strategy to center economic growth and climate action in its relations with African nations.
In a statement ahead of the trip, Lammy said, “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond.” His visit is part of a broader shift towards a respectful partnership model in Africa, involving a five-month consultation to inform the UK’s approach by drawing on perspectives from across the continent’s 54 countries.
In Nigeria, the Foreign Secretary will formalize a landmark Strategic Partnership, spanning economic, environmental, and security cooperation. The agreement builds on the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership signed earlier this year, which aims to increase trade access and foster economic reform in Nigeria.
As part of this collaboration, the UK will provide technical expertise to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance to support reforms that could expand opportunities for British businesses in one of Africa’s most promising economies.
Following his visit to Nigeria, Lammy will proceed to South Africa, where he will negotiate a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan. South Africa, the UK’s largest trading partner in Africa, will see enhanced market access, with new initiatives to boost agricultural employment in rural areas and facilitate South African exports to the UK.
At the UK-South Africa bilateral forum, Lammy and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola will update the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, committing both nations to joint action on climate, trade, and security.
A renewed risk-sharing partnership between British International Investment and Standard Chartered will support small and medium-sized businesses operating across Africa and Asia.
In both nations, green growth remains central to Lammy’s agenda. He is set to attend the Earthshot+ event in Cape Town, an initiative founded by Prince William to promote environmental innovation.
The Foreign Secretary will announce further financial commitments, including a Biodiversity Challenge Fund to combat wildlife trafficking and additional support for South Africa’s energy transition, aiming to channel investment towards climate-resilient projects across the continent.
The Foreign Secretary’s visit underscores a forward-looking UK-Africa relationship centered on growth, green development, and genuine collaboration.
Lammy’s Africa tour is expected to forge stronger links with the continent’s key economies and create new pathways for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.
