The United Kingdom has named Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, tasking him with strengthening trade and investment relations between Britain and the continent and opening up new commercial opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Long returns to the continent with previous experience in the role, having served first as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.
His appointment comes as African economies, including Nigeria, intensify efforts to attract foreign investment, boost exports and secure greater access to international markets.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, Long will focus on broadening commercial partnerships, supporting businesses, attracting investment and promoting the development of sustainable and resilient economies across Africa.
Speaking on his return, Long said his previous experience on the continent had given him insight into its economic potential, describing Africa as the “future” and praising its energy 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 saw, when deputy and then acting Trade Commissioner, what boundless energy and ambition the continent possesses,” he said.
Long said the UK would also align its engagement with the priorities of individual African countries while deploying British expertise and capabilities in areas of shared economic interest.
“The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer,” Long said.
His return is expected to be particularly relevant to major economies such as Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of the UK’s key commercial partners on the continent, as the country continues efforts to attract foreign capital and increase non-oil exports as part of its economic diversification drive.
As HMTC for Africa, Long will oversee the UK’s trade and investment activities across the continent, including initiatives aimed at improving market access for British businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He will also be responsible for developing trade policy and strengthening the broader commercial relationship between the UK and African countries.
Long succeeds John Humphrey, who held the position of UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey said Africa remained important to the UK’s global outlook, pointing to the continent’s significant potential for commercially driven cooperation and sustainable economic growth.
Long brings extensive diplomatic and trade experience across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa to the role.
Before his latest appointment, he served as British Ambassador to Bahrain from August 2023.
He joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has previously held trade and diplomatic positions in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
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