Britain's new minister for Africa says he is excited about the continent's economic potential

BRITAIN'S newly-appointed minister for Africa Rory Stewart  has expressed his readiness to partner with Africans in a bid to develop and deepen the existing relations between the continent and Europe.

Following Theresa May's re-election as the British prime minister Mr Stewart has been appointed as the minister for Africa in both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. He has just revealed that in his new role, he is ready to partner Africans as the continent has great potential that can be harnessed for the development of the entire world.

In a statement issued by the UK High Commission in Abuja, Mr Stewart said he was excited about the existing relationship between Africa and UK and expressed a willingness to take it to a greater heights. He added that he was looking forward to learning from Africans, to listening to the experiences of people on the ground and on building relationships.

Mr Stewart said: “I am so excited to have the role of minister for Africa in both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. Africa is an extraordinary continent with so much potential, an incredible number of young people, some of the most stunning landscapes in the world and extraordinary new businesses.

“There is also a great historical relationship between Africa, Europe and the world, which needs to be developed and deepened. If we can get them right, it should flourish over 30, 40, 50 years with mutual respect and learning between Africa and the United Kingdom."

Recently, Mr Stewart took over from Tobias Ellwood who was the minister for Africa prior to the dissolution of parliament last May. In his new role, Mr Stewart will have overall responsibility for all matters relating to the African continent.