(Ecofin Agency) - The UK-Africa summit, held yesterday in London, concluded with 27 deals worth more than $8.4 billion dollars inked between British companies and their African partners.

According to the British government, the UK’s “expertise and innovation in technology, clean growth, infrastructure, and finance can feed Africa’s demand for sustainable growth.” The agreements will allow high-quality investments in key sectors to stimulate growth and create jobs.

British company Aggreko, which supplies temporary power generation and temperature control equipment, concluded a $104 million deal with Côte d’Ivoire. Also, more than $218 million will be invested by beverage company Diageo to improve the sustainability of breweries in Kenya and East Africa, while Contracta Construction UK will upgrade a university hospital and airport in Kumasi, Ghana, at a total cost of more than $209.5 million.

“Trade with countries across Africa has never been more exciting. As opportunities there grow, it’s great to see so many British firms paving the way in trading and investing in the region to drive growth, create jobs and boost vital infrastructure [...]The deals announced today show the massive potential of UK-Africa trade and the investment programs we’re launching will ensure UK and African businesses are able to capitalize on trade and investment opportunities, now and in the future,” said Liz Truss (pictured), UK’s Secretary of State for International Development.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou