African leaders, entrepreneurs and UK government ministers are among thoe who will be attending today’s UK-Africa Investment Summit in London today (January 20).

The summit will bring together 21 African countries with UK and African companies.

The event will mark the first time governments and businesses from the UK and Africa have come together for an event of this scale.

Deals worth billions of pounds will be announced at the summit.

These will drive jobs and growth in all parts of the UK and in Africa, benefitting a range of British companies from family firms to major multinationals.

The investments reflect the Prime Minister Bris Johnson’s commitment to build long-term, sustainable relationships in Africa.

Johnson used his opening speech to illustrate this partnership with examples of UK businesses like Dorset-based Low Energy Designs, which is installing smart street lighting across Nigeria and Diageo which is investing £167 million to build a state of the art, environmentally friendly breweries in Kenya and wider East Africa.

Africa has 8 of the world’s 15 fastest growing economies and there is huge demand on the continent for clean, sustainable and innovative investment.

International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Africa’s economic potential is huge, with eight of the world’s 15 fastest growing economies and a population set to double to over 2 billion by 2050.

“We have much to offer African nations – UK aid is tackling climate change and supporting women entrepreneurs, our tech and digital expertise is helping Africa grow new industries and the City of London is channelling billions of private investment into Africa, boosting jobs and growth.”

“This Summit is a major step in unlocking the UK’s unique offer, becoming Africa’s investment partner of choice and benefiting people and businesses across the UK and Africa.”