Jersey visit aimed at doing more business with Africa

Monday 24 November 2014

Jersey’s Chief Minister hopes the Nigerian High Commissioner’s visit to Jersey will help boost business with the world’s fastest growing nation.

His Excellency Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida is in the Island today and tomorrow with a delegation from the High Commission and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs Salamatu Tafida.

They’ll have meetings at Jersey Finance that has just commissioned a report into opportunities for investment in Africa – an economy that has the potential to quadruple in size by 2040.

CEO of Jersey Finance Geoff Cook said: “IFCs have a fundamental part to play in facilitating foreign direct investment, of which a substantial amount is needed if Africa is to fulfil its economic potential. As such Jersey is in a prime position to offer the continent the assistance it needs - from access to a greater amount of investment funds to establishing environments conducive to entrepreneurship – Jersey can offer a safe business environment while ultimately helping Africa fulfil its economic potential.”

Dr Tafida will meet with Senator Ian Gorst and members of the Council of Ministers, inclucing the External Relations Minister, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache and the Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham.

Senator Gorst said: “I look forward to welcoming Dr Tafida to Jersey. It is a priority of this Council of Ministers to promote growth and diversification within the Island’s economy. As Capital Economics’ recent report shows, there are opportunities for mutually beneficial links to be established between Jersey and African nations such as Nigeria.”

He will also meet the Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency General Sir John McColl and both he and his wife will be guests of honour at a dinner hosted by the Bailiff, Sir Michael Birt tonight.

The visitors will also get to see what’s on show at Jersey Museum and the Durrell Wildlife Park.