FCO hosts Africa’s emerging leaders

UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge MP has outlined what Britain stands to get by investing in Africa, while speaking exclusively to African Voice at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) during a reception for Chevening scholars on 20th April.

While welcoming approximately 100 Chevening scholars of 2015/2016 programme from sub-Saharan Africa to the FCO, Duddridge said, “for Africa to grow its economies and institutions it needs leaders like you, leaders with integrity, competence and vision, leaders who remain true to themselves in setting ambitions and achieving their objectives.

Don’t leave it to someone else to solve the problems of your countries or villages or your towns. It is you who will solve these problems, not a mystical other people. Other people don’t exist. We are the people, we are the future, and you are the future.

Today is an opportunity to build relationships with key institutions, and to share ideas about what make societies and organisations successful”.

Mr. Duddridge, said “the Chevening scholars build deep connections with Britain. They become more comfortable doing business with the UK. They are more comfortable working with us as equal partners, it is about long-term relationships and soft power. We expect as a return on our investment for people to make the best of their lives, to commit to their countries and society and do the best they can to make the continent a better place”.

The Chevening programme provides a unique opportunity for future leaders and decision-makers from all over Africa to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.

The minister urged the scholars to make the best use of the incredibly special experience. He said, “by opening our doors to you and investing in you top students across the continent, we are helping to make the Chevening programme one of the most competitive scholarship programmes in the world. I am confident that the commitment we are making for you will be very worthwhile both for ourselves in terms of the investment we are making in you but also more importantly in your individual futures within your countries taking forward leadership roles.”

He advised the scholars to use the opportunity of their stay to experience what the UK has to offer. Recommending that the scholars explore the culture and vibrant cities such as Glassgow, Belfast, Cardiff and Stratford-Upon-Avon. “When you return home, take advantage of being part of the exclusive network of over 44,000 Chevening scholars. Use that network to achieve your objectives. It is there to help you and you are there to help others in the coming years. This network lies at the heart of the Chevening programme and is fundamental to helping you get the very best out of your scholarship in the years to come. Stay in touch with us through our embassies, join your Chevening Alumni association, and keep in contact with the new friends you have made.”

To emphasise the importance of the scheme to the FCO, the minister said, Britain will be increasing the numbers of scholarship from next academic year. He then thanked the external partners for their commitment to the programme.

In concluding, he said, “It is the beginning of a life long journey for the scholars, I believe the Chevening experience will be fundamental and life changing for you all. Make the most of your time here, make the most of what this country has to offer, make the most of this amazing networks and make the most of one another.”