UK appoints new Africa trade commissioner to drive investment, market access

The UK Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa.

Long returns to the Africa trade portfolio after previously holding the position between 2019 and 2022.

His mandate includes expanding UK-Africa trade and investment and improving market access for British companies.

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who had served as the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Africa since June 2022.

September 07, (THEWILL) — The UK Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, handing the former British ambassador a mandate to strengthen trade and investment ties between Britain and African economies.

The British Deputy High Commission announced the appointment on Monday, saying Long would work with governments, investors, businesses and institutions across Africa to expand commercial partnerships and support investment between the continent and the UK.

Long is returning to familiar territory. He previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022. Before his latest appointment, he was Britain’s ambassador to Bahrain, a position he held from August 2023.

His return comes as the UK seeks to deepen its economic engagement with African countries, with the trade commissioner’s office responsible for expanding trade and investment, improving market access for British companies and advancing the UK’s trade policy objectives across the continent.

“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.

He added that he would engage governments and businesses across the continent to pursue opportunities capable of delivering benefits for both African and British economies.

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who had held the position since June 2022. Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey said UK-Africa economic relations had been built around “delivery, trust and shared economic ambition”, adding that Africa remained important to Britain’s global economic outlook.

As trade commissioner, Long will oversee the Department for Business and Trade’s activities across Africa and work alongside the UK’s diplomatic network to promote exports and investment. His remit also includes efforts to reduce barriers facing British companies seeking access to African markets, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

Long joined the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has held diplomatic postings across the Middle East and North Africa.

He studied at Clare College, University of Cambridge, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.