ACCRA, Ghana (ChatnewsTV) — UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has embarked on a week-long visit to Ghana and Senegal aimed at strengthening economic partnerships, promoting clean energy, and advancing women’s reproductive health rights. The tour, which commenced on Monday, underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and investment in West Africa.
During his visit, Lord Collins will meet with key political figures in both countries, including Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The minister will lead a UK trade delegation of 40 companies to Senegal, focusing on deepening trade and investment ties, particularly in infrastructure and industrial development.
“The UK is reconnecting with the world,” said Lord Collins ahead of his visit. “We are deepening our relationships with our African counterparts, focusing on partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial and sustainable investment and growth.”
In Senegal, the UK is backing investments worth hundreds of millions of pounds in infrastructure, including the UK-funded Dakar Bus Rapid Transit System, the first electric bus network in sub-Saharan Africa. The delegation will also explore ways to support Senegal’s new industrial strategy, aimed at boosting economic development.
Another key focus of Lord Collins’ visit is women’s empowerment. In Senegal, approximately £7.24 million in UK funding has been announced under the new Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Dividend programme. The initiative aims to expand access to reproductive health services for women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities. The program is expected to prevent nearly 400,000 unintended pregnancies and 92,000 unsafe abortions, according to MSI Senegal, one of the program’s leading partners.
“I want to thank the UK government for this important investment and for their longstanding support,” said Alain Christian Mbengue, Country Director for MSI Senegal. “This funding will expand access to lifesaving reproductive health services, helping women and girls from the poorest communities achieve their dreams.”
In Ghana, Lord Collins will launch initiatives to support small businesses in adopting clean energy solutions. The UK, in collaboration with Shell Foundation, is backing firms like Kofa and PASH Global to help businesses transition from petrol generators to sustainable energy options. The £3.8 million project will also promote electric motorbikes as a green mobility solution.
“These are the growth initiatives of the future,” Lord Collins said. “A country cannot grow sustainably without empowering its women and adopting clean energy solutions.”
Lord Collins’ visit also includes discussions with the World Food Programme (WFP) to tackle food insecurity caused by climate change in Ghana. The UK will launch a £500,000 food fortification program, along with new funding of at least £1 million to support drought-stricken communities.
The UK minister’s West African tour reflects a broader push to establish modern economic partnerships that align with sustainable development goals and empower local communities.
