UK and African Business Leaders Convene in Togo for Trade and Investment Summit
Business leaders from ten African nations and prominent UK companies are meeting in Lomé, Togo, this week for the West and Central Africa Forum (WCAF) IV. The event, organized by UK Export Finance (UKEF) in collaboration with DMA Invest, gathers over 560 delegates from 442 companies to foster new trade and investment partnerships across Africa.
The two-day summit, taking place from 12 to 13 November 2025, marks the first time the event has been held outside London since its inception in 2022. It reflects the United Kingdom’s growing commitment to long-term partnerships with African economies. The discussions focus on key development sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, green growth, and digital transformation, aiming to drive economic growth and job creation in both regions.
John Humphrey, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, highlighted Africa’s vast market potential, calling the continent “diverse, vibrant, and innovative.” He described the forum as an opportunity to deepen partnerships and unlock mutual economic benefits. DMA Invest CEO Atam Sandhu noted that hosting the forum in Togo demonstrates the UK’s local and practical engagement, building mutual trust and sustainable ties with Francophone nations.
UKEF CEO Tim Reid stated that the forum enables UK businesses to forge long-term partnerships and contribute to global development while strengthening domestic economic growth. Previous editions of WCAF have resulted in numerous trade deals, including an $11 million UKEF-backed guarantee for a Guinean mining contractor, linking British expertise with African enterprise.
Since its establishment, the West and Central Africa Forum has become a cornerstone platform for enhancing UK-Africa trade relations. The 2025 edition reinforces the shared goal of advancing sustainable economic development through collaboration, innovation, and investment.
New UKHSA Report Links Climate Change to Worsening Mental Health
A new report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that climate change is already affecting the mental health of people across the United Kingdom. The report highlights that extreme weather events, such as flooding and heatwaves, are key drivers of psychological distress, particularly among vulnerable populations who struggle to access healthcare and transport during such conditions.
The report underscores that farming and rural communities, individuals whose livelihoods depend on the land, and those with existing health issues are at greater risk. Increased anxiety about the future, especially among children and young people, is also emerging as a significant concern. Without timely interventions, these mental health challenges are expected to intensify as global temperatures rise.
Professor Lea Berrang Ford, Head of the UKHSA Centre for Climate and Health Security, emphasized that climate change is already influencing mental health outcomes and will continue to exacerbate existing inequalities. She noted the need for practical measures by governments and social care institutions to protect affected groups. Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, added that the report contributes to the UK Government’s National Adaptation Programme, providing crucial evidence to guide coordinated national responses.
The report points out that farmers in the UK already experience high mental health pressures, with only 55% reporting a positive outlook. Younger generations face “anticipatory anxiety” about their futures, compounded by feelings of powerlessness regarding climate action. A global survey cited by the report found that 50% of UK children were extremely worried about climate change, affecting daily life decisions such as having children.
UKHSA recommends a range of interventions to mitigate these mental health impacts, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based digital tools, and community-based clinical programmes following natural disasters. Preparedness measures like early warning systems and improved flood defences can also reduce climate-related mental health risks. Longer-term strategies, such as urban planning that fosters social interaction and physical activity, can provide additional well-being benefits. The agency called for further research into effective interventions to strengthen public health resilience in a warming world.