UK Eyes Bigger Economic Grip On Africa, Names Alastair Long Trade Commissioner

• Britain has appointed veteran diplomat Alastair Long to lead its trade and investment engagement across Africa, signalling a renewed push to deepen commercial partnerships with governments and businesses on the continent.

• Long’s appointment comes amid expanding UK investments in Nigeria, including a £15 million Growth Programme, a £9 billion Africa investment strategy targeting frontier markets, and a recent £746 million financing deal with the Federal Government.

• Having previously served as Deputy and Acting Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022, Long returns with more than two decades of diplomatic and trade experience across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

• The new commissioner will coordinate Britain’s trade agenda across Africa, helping British companies enter African markets while attracting investment and supporting sustainable economic growth.

September 07, () — The United Kingdom Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, entrusting him with the responsibility of strengthening trade and investment relations between the UK and African countries as London intensifies its economic engagement with the continent.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, which said Long would lead Britain’s efforts to expand commercial partnerships, improve market access, attract investments and promote sustainable economic growth across Africa.

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.

According to the UK Government, Long will work closely with African governments, investors, businesses and regional institutions to unlock new economic opportunities while supporting mutually beneficial trade relationships between African economies and the United Kingdom.

Accepting the appointment, Long described Africa as a continent of immense potential and ambition.

“I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to the continent. Africa is the future, and I have seen firsthand the boundless energy and ambition the continent possesses”, he said.

He pledged to work with African partners to identify priority sectors and create opportunities for both African and British businesses through expanded trade and investment cooperation.

Long is no stranger to the role, having previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later Acting Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022. Before his latest appointment, he was the UK’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023.

He joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2002 and has held several senior diplomatic and trade positions, including Director of Trade and Investment for Saudi Arabia, Regional Director for Trade covering the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Deputy Ambassador in Oman.

The UK Government said his wealth of experience would help accelerate its commercial ambitions across Africa by strengthening bilateral trade, supporting British businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and coordinating investment initiatives through Britain’s diplomatic missions on the continent.

Outgoing Trade Commissioner John Humphrey said serving in the role had been a privilege, noting that the UK’s partnership with Africa had been built on trust, delivery and shared economic ambitions.

He expressed confidence that Long would build on the momentum already established and deepen economic cooperation across African markets.

Background

Long’s appointment comes amid rapidly growing economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. In June, the UK launched a £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria to support economic reforms and attract private investment.

Earlier this year, Britain also unveiled a £9 billion investment strategy for African frontier markets through British International Investment (BII), with Nigeria identified as one of the priority destinations.

The renewed partnership follows President Bola Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK, after which the Federal Government engaged experts from about 30 British companies to advance trade and investment agreements reached during the visit.

Nigeria also recently secured a £746 million financing deal with the United Kingdom, reinforcing the expanding economic relationship between both countries as Britain seeks to translate diplomatic ties into stronger commercial influence across Africa.