In March 2021, the UK Government published its Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, which included a renewal of its commitment to partner with the African Union in key areas such as trade, climate and biodiversity, and conflict prevention. The UK has also highlighted its interest in deepening bilateral relations with South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana, as well as the East African region in particular. However, recent coronavirus-related travel restrictions and issues around vaccine access and equity have strained relationships between the UK and some African countries, compounding longer-term challenges in the partnership such as visa regimes.
At this hybrid event, Vicky Ford MP, the UK Minister for Africa, will outline the UK’s vision for engagement with Africa going forward, and priorities for aligning this with the collective and individual interests of African countries.
The event will also be broadcast live on the Africa Programme’s Facebook page.
Participants
Vicky Ford MP, UK Minister for Africa
Chair: Dr Alex Vines OBE, Managing Director, Risk, Ethics and Resilience; Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House