TheCable

Andrew Murrison, the United Kingdom’s minister for international development, says the upcoming UK-Africa investment summit will help build closer partnerships that will result in investment and jobs.

Murrison was speaking on Wednesday when he visited Clarke Energy in Merseyside, Liverpool for the opening of an engine repair workshop to make power plants across Africa, including in Nigeria, more efficient and support Africa’s drive for clean energy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the minister said: “Clarke Energy is just one great example of how UK businesses – including those from Liverpool – are already leading the way in investing in Africa.

“Clarke Energy’s investment in Africa shows how UK expertise, technology and innovation are improving access to cleaner forms of energy, which can be replicated by businesses across the UK and Africa.”

Murrison also announced a new DFID-funded testing lab for solar products ensuring that solar panels and appliances meet global standards and households have access to good quality, reliable clean energy.

Dave Nicholls, the overhaul and repair centre manager, explained that high-efficiency gas engines are being repaired in Knowsley in Merseyside and sent back to African countries to improve the reliability of power to businesses and communities.

Nicholls also said the company will provide 10MW in electrical output in Kano and supply natural gas engines to Mamuda Group and Aspira Nigeria to help reduce power costs.

The visit comes ahead of the UK-Africa Investment Summit, which will be held in London on January 20 and bring together UK and African leaders, businesses, and entrepreneurs.