JEREMY HUNT launched a new Brexit charm offensive in Africa in a direct challenge to French President Emmanuel Macron. The Foreign Secretary unveiled £750 million of export finance to support UK trade and investment in Senegal. And it came at the start of a five-day charm offensive across ‘francophone’ sub-Saharan African which will also see […]
JEREMY HUNT launched a new Brexit charm offensive in Africa in a direct challenge to French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Foreign Secretary unveiled £750 million of export finance to support UK trade and investment in Senegal.
And it came at the start of a five-day charm offensive across ‘francophone’ sub-Saharan African which will also see the UK open new embassies in Niger and Chad.
Mr Hunt – a long-time Tory leadership contender – is also funding a £4 million English language programme in French and Portuguese African countries.
Insiders said the move was based on trying to challenge France’s dominance in the region.
In a statement, Mr Hunt said: “I want to set out the stall for the UK to be the new partner of choice across Africa.”
He said: “Africa is a continent growing at an extraordinary rate.
“In a future where Britain is no longer a member of the EU, I want us to work within and alongside African nations to make sure, together, we combat the threats we all face and capitalise on the opportunities open to people wherever they are.”
