Brexit: UK-based firm optimistic of new leadership

An international money remittance firm has said it is optimistic the new UK leadership will maintain good working relationship with African governments and institutions to develop the continent.

Dahabshiil Chief Executive Abdirashid Duale has said he is optimistic the British PM Teresa May will maintain the legacy of outgoing PM David Cameron saying she is not a stranger to the continent having worked closely with many African nations in her previous position as Home Secretary.

As he exited Number 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, just weeks after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, Mr Cameron said that dedicating 0.7 per cent of national income to overseas development was one of his proudest achievements.

He called on the new administration to maintain close ties with Africa by aiding development projects in the continent.

“We believe the new Prime Minister Teresa May will build on this, and forge further ahead with this approach,” said Mr Duale.

Mr Cameron was expected to visit Kenya and Ethiopia in his African tour before he resigned.

Dahabshiil and many African institutions operating in Europe have expressed fears their businesses may be affected by Brexit, but Duale remains hopeful the new Prime Minister will maintain the legacy set by Cameron.

In his last address to parliament as prime minister, David Cameron said post-Brexit Britain should "try and be as close to the EU as we can be".

Taking questions in the House of Commons, Cameron said his advice to Theresa May, who is set to succeed him later in the day, would be that British trade, cooperation and security would be best served by a close relationship with Europe.