This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
July 5, 2020
UK Trade Commissioner to Africa, Emma Wade-Smith, recently embarked on a virtual visit to Kenya, marking a significant milestone in her efforts to stay connected with the 23 African countries where the UK's Department for International Trade has a presence.
From the safety of her lockdown office in Johannesburg, Wade-Smith engaged in virtual meetings with the Kenyan business community, government officials, and colleagues, including a live TV interview.
The visit built on the strong UK-Kenya partnership, established through the strategic partnership signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President Uhuru Kenyatta in London at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in January.
Wade-Smith discussed UK support for Kenya's Covid-19 response and economic recovery, as well as Kenya's commitment to maintaining its position on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings.
The UK government has adapted its economic development programs to help Kenya respond to and recover from the pandemic. For instance, UK-funded TradeMark East Africa has reduced the cost and time it takes to move across East Africa's borders, addressing tailbacks at border crossings through an innovative truck drivers app.
The UK is also supporting the Kenyan government's Business Situation Room, which provides policy advice and real-time support to businesses facing generational challenges, including manufacturers and SMEs.
Wade-Smith emphasized the importance of keeping trade and supply chains moving, highlighting the work between government and industry to ensure cargo continues to flow. This includes the collaboration between Kenya and British Airways to facilitate exports of Kenya's vegetables and cut flowers to the UK.
As Kenya and Africa navigate the pandemic, Wade-Smith's virtual visit focused on establishing and embedding the best environment and frameworks possible for economic and business recovery.
She discussed the UK companies supporting Kenya's ambitions on energy access, strengthening renewable power production, and reducing carbon emissions. The two sides also committed to working together on regulation around renewables and progressing existing projects, including Energy Storage Africa and Globeleq.
Wade-Smith expressed her appreciation for the partnership between the UK and Kenya, citing the shared intent to cooperate in responding effectively to the pandemic. She looked forward to her next visits, both virtual and in-person.
Emma Wade-Smith is Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner to Africa.
