The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has successfully completed its "Build and Construction” Trade Mission to Nigeria and Ghana from July 21 to 25.

This mission offered a platform for UK companies to identify business opportunities and build valuable connections in the West African construction sector. 

The primary objectives of the trade mission were to explore new market opportunities in Nigeria and Ghana, facilitate high-level networking, and identify potential projects and partnerships.

Additionally, the mission aimed to provide valuable market intelligence and showcase UK expertise in various construction disciplines. 

The delegation comprised leading figures from the UK construction industry, representing a cross-section of its world-renowned expertise.

The group included Emeka Okorocha, Managing Director of iStrat Consulting; Phil Dowrick, Client Director of AtkinsRéalis; Thomas Farmer, Director at Dowen Farmer Architects; Gerald Madondo, Country Director - Nigeria at Turner & Townsend; Kwabena Asante-Poku, Coverage Director for Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire at BII-Ghana; Kyle J. Schofield and Managing Director of QA Venue Solutions (QAVS). 

The mission began in Abuja, Nigeria, where UK delegates engaged in a series of high-level meetings with key government officials and private developers. This initial phase provided crucial insights and laid the groundwork for the subsequent phase in Ghana. 

The Ghana segment of the mission kicked off on 24th July 2024, featuring a roundtable discussion with built environment professionals, followed by a cocktail reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. 

 UK companies were successfully introduced to emerging opportunities in the Nigerian and Ghanaian construction markets.

Delegates had the chance to engage directly with potential partners and explore various business prospects. 

It also fostered meaningful interactions between UK delegates and key industry leaders, government officials, and private sector representatives in both Nigeria and 

Ghana. These interactions are expected to lead to new partnerships and collaborative projects. 

Delegates identified potential projects and partnerships, setting the stage for expanded business activities in the region. Participants gained valuable insights into the regulatory and business environments in Nigeria and Ghana, which will inform their future strategies and decisions.

UK companies had the opportunity to present their capabilities and innovative solutions to a targeted audience, demonstrating their value to potential partners and buyers. 

In Accra, the welcome cocktail reception served as a platform for further networking. The evening featured addresses from the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, and a presentation by Bui Power Authority’s Director for Commercial Services, Mr. Pascal Kanbonnabah.

These engagements provided delegates with insights into significant project opportunities and highlighted the strong potential for future collaboration. 

The Department of Business and Trade Country Director for Ghana, Giselle Agyare, commented on the need to continue forming synergies between the UK and Ghanaian industries to boost mutual trade.

The interactions and partnerships forged during this mission have the potential to advance trade in the construction sector.