Britain eyes more economic ties with Africa

Britain has renewed its commitment to strengthen economic cooperation with African nations, to increase trade and investment and create mutual growth and jobs, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said Friday.

"Africa's potential as an engine for global economic growth is clear and the UK will have a significant role to play in bringing that about," British High Commissioner to South Africa Judith Macgregor said in a statement.

Britain has sent business leaders and government officials to attend the World Economic Forum on Africa 2015, which took place from Wednesday to Friday in Cape Town, South Africa, according to the FCO.

The FCO said three British businessmen were acting as co-chairs at the forum, including Antony Jenkins from Barclays, Paul Polman from Unilever and Michael Rake from BT Group.

"The remarkable economic growth that Africa has seen over the last 25 years has helped lift millions out of poverty and led to fundamental changes across the continent," British Minister for Africa James Duddridge said.

"The UK has long been both a business and development partner in Africa and increasing our mutual prosperity is one of my priorities," he noted.

The World Economic Forum on Africa 2015 brought together African and global leaders from government, business and civil society to take stock of progress, share insights on the present landscape and identify innovative approaches to accelerate inclusive growth while bringing about sustainable development in the future.

This year's meeting is under the theme "Then and Now: Re-imagining Africa's Future."