Strengthening Trade Ties with West and Central Africa
British businesses are poised to gain over £330 million in export contracts aimed at facilitating nine significant infrastructure projects in Guinea and Benin. These initiatives will involve UK companies providing essential goods and services across various sectors, including education, clean water, electricity transmission, and governmental infrastructure. This collaborative effort not only supports job creation and economic growth within the UK but also plays a crucial role in delivering necessary infrastructure improvements abroad.
The financial backing for these contracts comes from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, which has committed £1.1 billion in financing and guarantees. This announcement coincides with the commencement of the fifth UK-West and Central Francophone Africa Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF) in Conakry, Guinea, where British businesses are engaging with potential partners from the region.
Expansion of UK Export Finance’s Role
In a significant move to bolster future projects, UKEF has increased its exposure capacity by £1.7 billion across West and Central Africa. This enhancement will enable the agency to provide even greater support to British exporters engaging in projects within these rapidly developing markets.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds remarked on the importance of these contracts, stating that they represent a substantial victory for UK businesses, facilitating access to emerging markets while simultaneously stimulating job creation and economic growth domestically. By supporting these projects, UKEF is fostering international partnerships that benefit communities both abroad and at home.
Tim Reid, CEO of UKEF, highlighted the success of British firms in securing numerous contracts to aid infrastructure development in the region over recent years. This not only promotes job creation in the UK but also assists francophone African countries in building the essential infrastructure required for their progress. The WCAF forum serves as a platform for fostering these successful collaborations, showcasing UKEF’s ability to make a tangible impact globally while encouraging growth across the UK.
Key Infrastructure Projects Funded by UKEF
Among the notable projects receiving UKEF support is a £75 million investment in a large-scale education infrastructure programme, which aims to establish new primary and secondary schools across four regions. This initiative will significantly enhance access to education for thousands of children by providing modern classrooms, sanitation facilities, and related amenities, with Planet One winning the contract.
Additionally, £91 million is earmarked for the Guinea Regional Water Project, a multi-regional initiative designed to improve access to clean drinking water through the development of new treatment and distribution systems. Aqua Africa, a UK-based company, will lead this project, having previously benefited from UKEF-backed financing for similar water infrastructure projects in the area.
Furthermore, UKEF is allocating £129 million to the La Cotiere Conakry Transmission project in Guinea, part of a broader electricity network strategy aimed at enhancing power distribution along the coastal region. The contract has been secured by Elecnor, creating opportunities for UK suppliers in the fields of transmission equipment, grid technology, and engineering services.
Future Developments in Benin
In Benin, UKEF will provide £82 million in financing to support the construction of a new government administrative complex. This project is intended to consolidate public services within a modern urban development framework. The contract has been awarded to ACC UK Group Ltd, which opens up opportunities for UK firms to engage in design, engineering, security systems, and specialist building services.
The WCAF V event, organised by UKEF in collaboration with DMA Invest and the Guinean government, is set to continue until 21 October 2026. Atam Sandhu, CEO of DMA Invest, emphasized the forum’s goal of transforming relationships into actionable results. With a commitment to facilitating connections between governments, businesses, and financiers, DMA aims to advance priority projects from conception to execution. Sandhu expressed gratitude to the Guinean government and its people for their hospitality and leadership in hosting WCAF V in Conakry, fostering an evolving partnership that holds great potential for growth.