By Janefrances Chibuzor
Alastair Long is back in Africa as the UK’s new Trade Commissioner, with a fresh mandate to strengthen Britain’s trade and investment ties across the continent.
Drawing on his previous experience in Africa, Long will champion greater market access for British businesses, attract investment and build stronger commercial partnerships with African economies.
He takes over from John Humphrey at a time of growing UK-Africa economic engagement, with a focus on turning shared opportunities into jobs, investment and sustainable growth.
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Alastair Long is returning to Africa as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the continent, with a mandate to strengthen trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and African countries.
Long, who previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022, is expected to draw on his experience of the region as he takes on the new assignment.
His priorities include opening up more opportunities for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, while working with African governments and businesses to attract investment and build stronger commercial partnerships.
The UK says stronger trade and investment links with Africa can create jobs, encourage innovation and support sustainable economic growth on both sides.
For Long, the return is also personal. He said he was delighted to be back on the continent, describing Africa as “the future” and recalling the energy and ambition he encountered during his earlier posting.
He said the UK would focus on listening to African priorities while bringing British expertise and capabilities to areas where both sides can benefit.Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
Humphrey described his time in the role as a privilege, saying the UK-Africa relationship had been built around trust, delivery and shared economic ambitions.
Long will work with African governments, investors, businesses, UK government officials, ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network to identify new opportunities and deepen economic ties across the continent.
His career includes senior trade and diplomatic postings in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Oman, as well as serving as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Bahrain before returning to his Africa-focused role.
