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 recent media briefing.

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. UK aid such as the Prosperity and Newton Funds is delivering change in growth-supporting sectors, including education, energy, finance, healthcare and infrastructure.

“It [the UK/South African relationship] is a really big relationship, especially in science and technology,” she highlighted. “You are a really big partner in our research funds.” These funds include the Newton Fund, which, 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.

Indeed, the areas of cooperation between the two countries are increasing in many areas. They have been working especially closely within the Development Working Group of the Group of 20 biggest economies, much better known as the G20. The UK has a lot of programmes running in Africa, involving both the British government and British non-governmental organisations.

“The British government remains committed to its Development Aid target of 0.7% of GDP [gross domestic product] while seeking to ensure that all aid is used as efficiently as possible,” assured Macgregor. Traditionally, the main objective of British aid was to fight poverty. But levels of poverty across the world have declined, while some countries have continued to suffer from inadequate infrastructure and problems with governance. So British aid is also looking, where appropriate, to support improvements in governance and infrastructure.

Regarding the British decision to leave the European Union (EU) – popularly called Brexit – she pointed out that the negotiations between the UK and the rest of the EU were about to begin. The outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership had been “a big surprise at the time it happened”. However, “government is taking forward the referendum decision and is determined to make a success of the negotiations. At present, our economy is doing well.”

But Brexit emphasises the importance to the UK of its trade with South Africa and Southern Africa. This trade had long historic roots, but has been galvanised in recent years by increased British investment in South Africa. She pointed out that the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and South Africa provided a good basis for the development of economic ties between South Africa and the UK, and the UK would look to ensure that the level of trade is maintained and increased even further.

“Rob Davies [South African Trade and Industry Minister] has been twice to London, in quick succession [in recent weeks],” cited Macgregor. “The [UK] Chancellor [of the Exchequer] has been here.” The two countries can work together to benefit from the opportunities created by Brexit.