TRACK RECORD
We achieve excellent outcomes for our members by leveraging on our rich experience, global network & deep knowledge across various industry sectors and markets.
SCOTLAND LONDON AFRICA WEEK 2024
The first-ever Scotland London Africa Business Week, organised by the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), was a landmark event that brought together key industry leaders, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Scottish Government Ministers, innovators, UK politicians, and entrepreneurs from Scotland, London, and Africa. The programme was filled with insightful discussions, round tables, briefings, meetings and networking opportunities, making it a memorable experience for all our delegates and distinguished guests.
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As we look forward to future editions of this event (and sectoral evolutions), we can be confident that the connections made and the conversations started during this business programme will continue to inspire and drive positive change.
If you’re keen to get involved in our next iteration of the Scotland London Africa Week, just get in touch – info@africascot.com.
WEST AFRICAN ENERGY SUMMIT 2024
GHANA
The West African Energy Summit, held on 3rd and 4th September in Accra, Ghana, has emerged as a pivotal event in the region's energy landscape. This year's Summit, which attracted a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders, global expert and our Scottish delegation, underscored the transformative potential of strategic partnerships and innovative solutions in shaping a sustainable energy future for West Africa.
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The participation of SABA and its Scottish delegation was particularly significant, playing a crucial role in the discussions. Our participation reflected a growing recognition of West Africa as a key player and underscored the contribution of Scotland's valuable insights and experience.
SABA ENERGY
GHANA
SABA were commissioned by the Ghanaian Ministry of Energy and the Ghana Petroleum Commission to assist in promotion of 5 new oil blocks to investors, operators, supply chain and skills training organisations. This was the only promotion of the blocks in the UK and the Ghanaian delegation was led by the Minister of Energy and CEO of the Petroleum Commission.
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During the three days of engagement SABA members met privately with the Minister as well as attending open seminars and round tables resulting in numerous engagements and a planned Scottish energy focussed trade mission to Ghana in 2023.
SKILLS TRAINING
KENYA
Following a request from the Government of Kenya for engagement in the Maritime sector SABA hosted the Permanent Secretary for Maritime in Scotland for a week of meetings and visits.
One of the large projects was the resurrection of the Bandari Maritime Training College in Mombasa which wanted to partner with Scottish institutions to provide training and mentoring. Following a visit to the City of Glasgow Colleges Faculty of Nautical and STEM a reciprocal visit to Kenya was agreed. Following from this and MoU has been signed between the colleges and work towards the partnership will commence shortly.
EDUCATION
AFRICA WIDE
With Scottish education valued across the globe, SABA hosted a meeting between 14 of our universities and colleges with 12 of their Moroccan counterparts, moderated by the Prime Ministers Trade Envoy for Morocco, Dr Andrew Murrison, MP.
Engagements has continued between many of the institutions in areas such as research partnerships, student recruitment and teacher exchange programmes. There are now similar meetings planned with education establishments in South Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Ghana.
AGRICULTURE
NAMIBIA
Several governments across the continent have engaged SABA to discuss their potato sector which, with the rise in urbanisation, is becoming a critical plank of their food security agenda.
Scotland has world leading expertise in this sector in areas such as research, agronomy, seed potato varieties, supply chain and education and training. The first of the engagements was with the government of Namibia where SABA members the James Hutton Institute, SRUC and Scottish Potatoes discussed the sector with the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, the Namibia Agronomy Board and the High Commissioner of Namibia to London. We have now supplied a proposal for cooperation between our governments and will be looking to expand the conversation to more Scottish companies and institution over the coming weeks who can provide expertise.
AQUACULTURE
ANGOLA
SABA was commissioned by the UK Government to provide a piece of work to understand the growing aquaculture sector in Angola. Bringing in SABA member, Stirling Universities Institute of Agriculture, as expert partners, a report has been concluded with recommendations for the government of Angola to collaborate with the Scottish aquaculture sector.
WATER
KENYA
With UK Government increasing it’s UK Export Finance (UKEF) facility across the African continent there are many opportunities for Scottish companies to tender on the UK content of projects.
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SABA was approached by UKEF to find Scottish companies to tender for up to £60million of a £200million water project in Kenya. 12 companies who would not have heard about this opportunity have now engaged in the process.
MARITIME
NAMIBIA
Following a request from the Namibian Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation, SABA hosted a weeklong visit meeting with members companies engaged in training, port logistics, ship maintenance, digitisation of ports and new technologies for the use of renewable energy in the maritime sector.
This has resulted in increased and ongoing engagement between Namibia and Scotland with a maritime focussed trade mission from Scotland being agreed.