The British government has assigned up to £35-million from its Prosperity Fund to South Africa. This money will be disbursed over the remaining period of the current UK Parliament (that is, until 2020). This was pointed out by outgoing British High Commissioner to South Africa, Dame Judith Macgregor, at a media briefing on Thursday.

The Prosperity Fund is a British cross-governmental programme to help stimulate economic growth in developing countries. The purposes of the fund are to encourage economic reforms and the dismantling of trade barriers; to strengthen capacity in policy-making and execution and to develop strong institutions; and to develop growth-supporting sectors, including education, energy, finance, healthcare and infrastructure.

"[The UK/South African relationship] is a really big relationship, especially in science and technology," she highlighted. "You are a really big part[ner] in our research funds."

These funds include the Newton Fund. The Newton Fund, managed by the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, seeks to develop science and innovation capabilities in partner countries. The intent is to stimulate economic development and welfare. Under the Newton Fund, the UK and partner countries invest matching funds in joint research projects; £20-million has been co-invested in such projects with South Africa since 2014. The South African partner agency is the Department of Science and Technology.

The two countries are, she also noted, increasing their discussions and cooperation on how to combat disease in Africa. These include fighting both communicable and, increasingly, noncommunicable diseases. For example, diabetes is a growing problem across much of the continent.

"The British government remains committed to its development aid target of 0.7% of gross domestic product, while seeking to ensure that all aid is used as efficiently and effectively as possible," assured Macgregor.