June 21, 2018
On Wednesday 20 June, the UK International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP appointed Emma Wade-Smith OBE as HM Trade Commissioner for Africa.
The appointment will be of particular importance as the UK seeks out new trade opportunities, particularly with Africa, post Brexit.
More than £28 billion of goods and services were traded between the UK and African countries in 2016. The continent is also home to 4 of the top 6 fastest-growing economies in the world (Libya, Ethiopia, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire) and opportunities in infrastructure alone are worth £62 billion a year.
The appointment will build on the UK’s position as a leading partner for Africa’s peace, security and prosperity – supporting trade, investment and job growth.
British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Guy Warrington said:
“Trade is at the heart of our approach to Africa and I am delighted by the appointment.HM Trade Commissioners play a critical role in our international economic department and will have more autonomy to do what works best in their region to improve trade with key markets of the future.With young and growing populations, and the world’s fastest-growing middle class, there is huge potential for British businesses to create modern trading partnerships across Africa. Emma will help unlock the continent’s potential, supporting jobs, growth and prosperity in the UK and Africa.”
All of the new HMTCs will cooperate closely with HM Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the wider diplomatic network, and other UK Government colleagues based in countries in their region, in a joined-up and coordinated Government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity. In total, there will be nine HM Trade Commissioners, with seven now appointed