Speech by H.E Sabah Zita Benson
Honourable members of parliament, distinguished Trade Envoys, excellencies, members of the democratic corps, business leaders, partners of the civil society, friends of Africa and the UK. Greetings to you all, and it is a pleasure to be at this auspicious launch of the UK-Africa Approach. I extend my gratitude to the Labour African Network (LAN) for convening this timely gathering.
LAN has become an important bridge, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and our vibrant African diaspora to advance a more constructive UK-Africa partnership. My colleagues speak for me of the previous successful events, and we need more of these. The tireless effort in bridging continents, ideas and aspirations is both aspiring and indispensable.
As Ghana co-host the final meeting of the 17th Replenishment of the African Development Fund, AEF17, here in London, we are deeply aware of both the responsibility and the opportunities before us. The African Development Fund is not just a financial mechanism. It is a lifeline for low-income and fragile states, striving to build resilience, expand opportunities, and secure long-term development gains.
Africa approached this replenishment with a united voice and a clear determination to ensure its access. We are equally appreciative of the United Kingdom’s longstanding key role as an AEFD partner. Your abiding support has been instrumental, and your continued engagement is vital.
As we work together to sustain the development financing at a time of global uncertainty and dire national security considerations, ladies and gentlemen, across the African continent, our priorities are well-defined and rooted in the aspirations of millions of people. We are collectively working to accelerate climate adaptation and resilience, recognising that African countries face some of the most severe climate impacts, despite having contributed the least to global emissions. Together, we are widening the scope of access to energy and a just transition, ensuring clean, affordable and reliable power for households and communities.
Africa is witnessing a positive shift towards sustainable agriculture and food security, which is critical to livelihoods and stability across the continent. Lastly, there is a greater cooperation between our respective governments and the private sector, which is, in turn, expanding the continent’s development and creating more jobs. We recognise that inclusive growth must be driven opportunity for our teeming youth as envisioned in our AU Agenda for 2063 towards the transformation of the continent with the youngest population.
Distinguished guests, these priorities represent Africa’s vision for sustainable, long-term transformation, one grounded in partnership and shared prosperity. In this regard, we welcome the United Kingdom’s new UK-Africa approach. Its emphasis on sustained engagement, mutual prosperity, and strategic investment, aligns closely with Africa’s vision for collaboration.
It signals a renewed commitment to working with African nations in the spirit of partnership, where our collective perspectives, our mutual priorities and our considered approach shape the direction of cooperation. And we look forward to building on these blocs through deeper collaboration in trade, investment, innovation and development finance. Africa is ready for this energised momentum.
We bring a lot to the table with vast opportunities. We bring a firm commitment to working with partners at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels to deliver meaningful results for our peoples. And as we look ahead, Ghana remains committed to the principle of constructive diplomacy, regional solidarity and inclusive economic growth.
We will continue to champion a future where UK-Africa relations are defined by mutual respect, shared ambition and a deep understanding that our successes are interconnected. Excellencies, let us seize this moment to reaffirm our partnership and shape a worthy future for the next generation. With the holidays fast approaching, i would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you.
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