The United Kingdom has appointed Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to strengthen trade and investment ties between Britain and African countries and create new commercial opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Long returns to the continent with previous experience in the role, having served 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, seek to attract foreign investment, expand exports and gain greater access to international markets.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, Long will focus on expanding commercial partnerships, supporting businesses, attracting investment and promoting sustainable and resilient economic development across Africa.
Speaking on his return, Long said his previous experience on the continent had given him a strong understanding of 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,” he said.
Long said the UK would 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,” he added.
His appointment is expected to be particularly significant for major economies such as Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of Britain’s key commercial partners on the continent, as the country seeks to attract foreign capital and increase non-oil exports as part of its economic diversification efforts.
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 served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey said Africa remained important to the UK’s global outlook, citing the continent’s 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 his new 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.
