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 The Midlands region of the UK is actively promoting economic partnerships, trade, and investment with Africa, leveraging its strategic location, industrial strengths, and collaborative initiatives. The Midlands Engine—a partnership of local authorities, universities, and businesses—has identified Africa as a priority growth market. Through its Internationalisation Strategy, the region aims to boost exports, attract inward investment, and enhance global competitiveness, with a particular focus on African nations.

Sector-Specific Investment Opportunities: The Midlands Investment Portfolio highlights key sectors including agri-tech, health and life sciences, transport technology, creative and digital industries, and zero-carbon energy. These sectors align with Africa’s development priorities and present significant opportunities for collaboration.nIn 2021, the Midlands exported £45.6 billion worth of goods, underscoring its pivotal role in UK trade. Although detailed figures for African trade are not available, the region’s strong export performance provides a solid foundation for expanding commercial ties with African nations.

Midlands Engine Investment Fund II: This £400 million fund provides debt and equity finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Midlands. While primarily supporting UK businesses, it also encourages partnerships with international entities, including African counterparts, to foster sustainable economic growth.

African Business Chamber (AfBC) Midlands: The AfBC Midlands chapter connects regional businesses with African markets. It hosts forums and networking events—such as the Africa Business Forum in Birmingham—to facilitate dialogue and partnership development. AfBC supports members, businesses, professionals, and investors by helping them identify profitable opportunities, raise their profile, promote products and services, network, build partnerships, and enhance skills and knowledge.

Joining the AfBC Midlands African Business Network (MAfBN) allows members to engage in meaningful conversations, grow their businesses, develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills, access funding and procurement opportunities, accelerate exports and imports to Africa, establish partnerships, and influence regional policies and strategies.