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By:
Odindo AyiekoUpdated Sat, July 16th 2016 at 16:53 GMT +3 | |||||||||
| Posted:
Jul,20-2016 14:10:50
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Many people in Africa hope the new British leadership will maintain the legacy of the former Prime Minister David Cameron by working closely with African governments and institutions to develop the continent.
The new Prime Minister Teresa May is no stranger to people from the continent, as she worked closely with many from the African diaspora in her previous position as Home Secretary.
It is hoped she will build on those relationships, to develop a strong commitment to Africa and Africans.
As he exited Number 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, just weeks after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, Mr Cameron said that dedicating 0.7 per cent of national income to overseas development was one of his proudest achievements.
He called on the new administration to maintain close ties with Africa by aiding development projects in the continent.
The Chief Executive officer of Africa's biggest remittance company, Abdirashid Duale says that when he met Mr Cameron, he explained his great passion for African development and how he had developed close ties with those living in diaspora, whose remittances have helped those living in the continent.
"Africa has always been close to Cameron's heart. He had the passion for the continent's development and encouraged African institutions abroad like Dahabshiil and those living in the diaspora to ensure they worked closely with those back home," said Duale.
Cameron had been expected to visit Africa to promote his legacy and to show how British aid money helped to save lives in the continent, Kenya and Ethiopia being two of the countries he was to visit. However the referendum campaign and the vote which culminated to Britain's exit from the"Through his encouragement and close ties, those in the diaspora and especially in the United Kingdom increased their remittances which have helped many of their relatives back in Africa. We believe the new Prime Minister Teresa May will build on this, and forge further ahead with this approach." he added. European Union meant the programme was cancelled. Although Teresa May will be preoccupied with Brexit for some time, it is hoped she will visit Africa when the time is right. After all, many African countries belong to the Commonwealth, which could be developed as a new set of trading partnerships. Perhaps Brexit will turn Britain's attention even more closely to opportunities in Africa. Teresa May developed a strong relationship with members of the Somali community in the UK, and it can be expected that she will be as passionate as her predecessor Cameron about peace in Somalia where remittances have helped in rebuilding the country ravaged by internal war for more than two decades. Dahabshiil and many African institutions operating in Europe have expressed fears their businesses may be affected by Brexit, but Duale remains hopeful the new Prime Minister will maintain the legacy set by Cameron. "It is important that Britain continues working closely with Africa despite the changes that are taking place especially after the vote and the exit of Cameron. We are ready to work with the new leadership for the benefit of millions in Africa whose lives depend on institutions like Dahabshiil". | |||||||||
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