UK appoints Trade Commissioner for Africa

The United Kingdom International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox has appointed Emma Wade-Smith as Trade Commissioner for Africa.

Wade-Smith is a senior diplomat and trade expert of 20 years, and had served in Brussels, Chile, Mexico, Washington and more recently in Africa as Department for International Trade (DIT)’s regional trade director. 

She was awarded an OBE for diplomatic service in 2012.

More than £28 billion of goods and services were traded between the UK and African countries in 2016.

The continent is also home to four of the top six fast growing economies – Libya, Ethiopia, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire – and opportunities in infrastructure alone are worth £62 billion a year.

This appointment will build on the UK’s position as a leading partner for Africa’s peace, security and prosperity – supporting trade, investment and job growth, said a statement by the British High Commission’s press officer in Abuja, Joe Abuku.

The statement quoted Dr Fox as saying, “Trade is at the heart of our approach to Africa and I am delighted to welcome Emma Wade-Smith to her new role.

“HM Trade Commissioners play a critical role in our international economic department and will have more autonomy to do what works best in their region to improve trade with key markets of the future.

“With young and growing populations, and the world’s fastest-growing middle class, there is huge potential for British businesses to create modern trading partnerships across Africa. 

“Emma will help unlock the continent’s potential, supporting jobs, growth and prosperity in the UK and Africa.”

Emma Wade-Smith said, “Having spent the last two years working on this exciting and dynamic continent, I know it is bursting not only with opportunities today, but potential for tomorrow. 

“I will put partnerships at the heart of our business relationships, building on the work we’re already doing to transform our shared entrepreneurial spirit into jobs and growth in the UK and across Africa.”