The United Kingdom and South Africa will join forces to drive economic growth and turbocharge infrastructure investment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday.
The UK Prime Minister said this at the start of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s formal State Visit.
The UK government said the next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched today, supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies in projects worth up to £5.37 billion over the next three years.
“The UK government will also confirm new grant-funded technical assistance to South Africa to help unlock green hydrogen opportunities and boost skills in this key sector.
“As an example of the opportunities for UK businesses, Globeleq – a UK company that is majority owned by British International Investment – is today announcing they have reached legal close on six solar power projects, with construction expected to kick off in South Africa next year,” the UK government said in a statement.
South Africa is the continent’s second largest economy and is already the UK’s biggest trading partner in Africa, with trade worth £10.7 billion annually. Unlocking export finance offers significant opportunities for British businesses to invest and trade.
President Ramaphosa is in London for a two-day state visit, hosted by His Majesty King Charles III.
“After attending a State banquet for the South African delegation this evening at Buckingham Palace, the Prime Minister will welcome President Ramaphosa to Downing Street for a bilateral meeting and lunch on Wednesday,” said the UK government.
Prime Minister Sunak in the statement said: “South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.
“I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.”
He said new education and skills partnership between the UK and the South African governments would also promote “shared learning in technical and vocational education, driving youth employment”.
UK funding will build the highly sought-after technical and entrepreneurial skills in the biggest growth sectors, including green technology and electric vehicle manufacture, ensuring South Africa’s youth are benefitting from the green transition.
Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said the UK’s relationship with South Africa was hugely important to the country.
“Together, we are working to deliver for the British and South African people, creating jobs, enhancing trade and investment, and boosting inclusive economic growth.
“This week’s State Visit, the first under His Majesty The King, is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our ties but also allows us to trigger greater growth, create even more opportunities for British and South African businesses alike, and further promote South Africa’s transition to green energy,” he said.
The Foreign Secretary said the South Africa Just Energy Transition Partnership, launched at COP26, also offers new opportunities to collaborate on renewable technology and green innovation.
“The UK and South Africa are today announcing the creation of a new Partnership on Minerals for Future Clean Energy Technologies to promote increased responsible exploration, production and processing of minerals in South and Southern Africa.
“Countries in the region are among the world’s leading producers of vital minerals used in clean technology, including the platinum group metals and iridium for hydrogen production and vanadium and manganese for battery storage. This partnership will utilise the UK’s expertise as the home to leading global mining houses, and financial services centre for metals to bolster sustainable and responsible production,” he said.
Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said the UK is today moving into a new era of its dynamic trade relationship with South Africa, “with exciting collaboration on infrastructure, clean technology, and renewable energy sources”.
“These new opportunities will unlock trade and investment for businesses from the Eastern Cape to East Anglia and boost growth, create jobs and future-proof our economies against a changing world,” she said.