The United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade has successfully completed its “Build and Construction” Trade Mission to Ghana and Nigeria, which took place from July 21-25. According to a statement issued by the British High Commission in Accra and shared with the Ghana News Agency, the mission provided UK companies with a platform to identify business opportunities and establish valuable connections in the West African construction sector.
The primary objectives of the trade mission were to explore new market opportunities in Nigeria and Ghana, facilitate high-level networking, and identify potential projects and partnerships. Additionally, the mission aimed to provide valuable market intelligence and showcase UK expertise in various construction disciplines.
The delegation comprised leading figures from the UK construction industry, representing a cross-section of its world-renowned expertise. Notable participants included Emeka Okorocha, Managing Director of iStrat Consulting; Phil Dowrick, Client Director of AtkinsRéalis; Thomas Farmer, Director at Dowen Farmer Architects; and Gerald Madondo, Country Director for Nigeria at Turner and Townsend. Other delegates included Kwabena Asante-Poku, Coverage Director for Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire at BII-Ghana, and Kyle J. Schofield, Managing Director of QA Venue Solutions (QAVS).
The mission began in Abuja, Nigeria, where UK delegates engaged in a series of high-level meetings with key government officials and private developers. This initial phase provided crucial insights and laid the groundwork for the subsequent phase in Ghana.
In Ghana, the mission kicked off on July 24 with a roundtable discussion featuring built environment professionals, followed by a cocktail reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. UK companies were introduced to emerging opportunities in the Nigerian and Ghanaian construction markets, allowing delegates to engage directly with potential partners and explore various business prospects.
The mission fostered meaningful interactions between UK delegates and key industry leaders, government officials, and private sector representatives in both Nigeria and Ghana. These interactions are expected to lead to new partnerships and collaborative projects.
Delegates identified potential projects and partnerships, setting the stage for expanded business activities in the region. Participants gained valuable insights into the regulatory and business environments in Nigeria and Ghana, which will inform their future strategies and decisions. UK companies had the opportunity to present their capabilities and innovative solutions to a targeted audience, demonstrating their value to potential partners and buyers.
