LAGOS (CU)_The UK government recently reaffirmed its commitment to support Africa’s transition to green manufacturing. The pledge was made during Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Africa Vicky Ford’s tour to Nigeria last week.
During her time in the West African nation, the Minister visited an electric vehicle assembler, MAX, to strengthen strong economic ties between the UK and Nigeria and to highlight London’s commitment to the transition to green manufacturing across the African continent. MAX, which raised about £23 million to ramp up operations, received the support of the British government as part of its Manufacturing Africa programme. The company is looking to produce 24,000 electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers over the next three years, in an attempt to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution.
“Firms like MAX demonstrate that we don’t have to choose between growing Nigeria’s economy and protecting the environment. The work done by Manufacturing Africa (MA), a programme funded entirely by UK Aid, is just one of the many ways the UK is working to help accelerate global action to tackle climate change,” Minister Ford said. “UK’s support for Nigerian firms through FCDO programming further emphasises our commitment to bilateral trade and investment in Nigeria; UK-based financiers are backing MAX’s growth and MAX has found a UK business partner in Field Ready.”
She went on to say that the visit to electric vehicle assembling plant provided her with the opportunity to see first-hand how the UK is helping in creating jobs, attract investments and producing innovative electric vehicles needed to tackle the global climate crisis.
“At MAX, we believe that e-mobility holds the key to unlocking Africa’s incredible potential. When people and goods can move reliably and predictably, we can unlock economic opportunities. When they can move sustainably- we can secure the future of millions,” Adetayo Bamiduro, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of MAX, said. “We’re deeply appreciative of the continued support of the United Kingdom’s government to the e-mobility industry in Africa, and for the opportunity to share our work with Minister Ford today,” he added.
