P
ProfRem
Guest
The United Kingdom retains deep ties with many African states, and the turbulence is causing anxiety from the Johannesburg stock exchange to the battlefields of Somalia and deep down restoration of hope for the Biafrans in Nigeria towards achieving Biafrexit with a Gunshot while Robert Mugabe is having a relief over sanctions.
- Trade and investment in Nigeria, Kenya
More than a third of the flowers sold in the European Union come from Kenya. The U.K. is one of the most valuable export markets for some of the largest African economies. One-third of Kenya's cut flowers arrive in Europe, where the U.K. is the second-largest buyer behind the Netherlands. Rather than negotiating with the European bloc, Kenya will now need to negotiate new deals with the U.K., as well as absorbing losses as the British economy retracts. It is a similar story for Nigeria, where a projected figure of £20 billion in bilateral trade by 2020 will now be revised downwards, and South Africa, which will need to make up shortfalls in wine exports.
- Opportunity to leave by Example for the Biafrans - Biafrexit
The pro-independence message has found an echo in the Eastern Nigerian state of Biafra, where activists have launched a campaign for the majority-Igbo region to secede. The movement has existed on the fringes for decades, following a violent bid for separation in the late 1960s, but in this new era of uncertainty, calls for 'Biafrexit' are gaining fresh momentum.
- Aid Unpaid to African countries
Britain is one of the largest contributors to the European Development Fund in both funding and strategic planning, and its exit from the EU has raised fears that Europe will scale back its commitment to development programs.
- South African stocks
The former British colony has the closest financial ties with the U.K. and the greatest exposure. Many leading South African companies are dual listed on Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, and South African banks lean heavily on British cash reserves. The impact of Brexit was felt immediately with a steep drop in the Rand, and although the currency has climbed since, confidence will remain shaky.
- Hope for Robert Mugabe?
Europe-wide sanctions on regimes could be reassessed without British involvement and in some cases this is cause for celebration. Zimbabwean ruler Robert Mugabe is reportedly convinced the U.K. is responsible for restrictions that have cost the slumping economy tens of billions of dollars, and that other member states will be more co-operative. Other sanctioned regimes such as Libya could also seek re-appraisal.
- Setback in Somalia
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has been key to checking the progress of East African jihadist militant group al-Shabaab in Somalia and beyond. The body is funded through the EU but British efforts have been key, contributing servicemen and logistical support to the struggle. European leaders recently voted through a cut to the Mission's budget, which could signal a policy of retrenchment as they look closer to home. This would come as a boost to the terror group.
- Trade and investment in Nigeria, Kenya
More than a third of the flowers sold in the European Union come from Kenya. The U.K. is one of the most valuable export markets for some of the largest African economies. One-third of Kenya's cut flowers arrive in Europe, where the U.K. is the second-largest buyer behind the Netherlands. Rather than negotiating with the European bloc, Kenya will now need to negotiate new deals with the U.K., as well as absorbing losses as the British economy retracts. It is a similar story for Nigeria, where a projected figure of £20 billion in bilateral trade by 2020 will now be revised downwards, and South Africa, which will need to make up shortfalls in wine exports.
- Opportunity to leave by Example for the Biafrans - Biafrexit
The pro-independence message has found an echo in the Eastern Nigerian state of Biafra, where activists have launched a campaign for the majority-Igbo region to secede. The movement has existed on the fringes for decades, following a violent bid for separation in the late 1960s, but in this new era of uncertainty, calls for 'Biafrexit' are gaining fresh momentum.
- Aid Unpaid to African countries
Britain is one of the largest contributors to the European Development Fund in both funding and strategic planning, and its exit from the EU has raised fears that Europe will scale back its commitment to development programs.
- South African stocks
The former British colony has the closest financial ties with the U.K. and the greatest exposure. Many leading South African companies are dual listed on Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, and South African banks lean heavily on British cash reserves. The impact of Brexit was felt immediately with a steep drop in the Rand, and although the currency has climbed since, confidence will remain shaky.
- Hope for Robert Mugabe?
Europe-wide sanctions on regimes could be reassessed without British involvement and in some cases this is cause for celebration. Zimbabwean ruler Robert Mugabe is reportedly convinced the U.K. is responsible for restrictions that have cost the slumping economy tens of billions of dollars, and that other member states will be more co-operative. Other sanctioned regimes such as Libya could also seek re-appraisal.
- Setback in Somalia
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has been key to checking the progress of East African jihadist militant group al-Shabaab in Somalia and beyond. The body is funded through the EU but British efforts have been key, contributing servicemen and logistical support to the struggle. European leaders recently voted through a cut to the Mission's budget, which could signal a policy of retrenchment as they look closer to home. This would come as a boost to the terror group.
