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.
Long returns to Africa with previous experience in the role. He served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, his new responsibilities will include expanding commercial partnerships, supporting businesses, attracting investment and promoting sustainable and resilient economies across the continent.
Speaking about his appointment, Long said his previous experience had given him a strong understanding of Africa’s economic potential.
“I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to the continent.”
He said the UK would align its engagement with the priorities of individual African countries while providing British expertise 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 appointment comes as African economies, including Nigeria, seek to attract more foreign investment, increase exports and improve access to international markets.
Nigeria is expected to be particularly important to Long’s mandate as the country continues efforts to attract foreign capital and expand 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 efforts to improve market access for British businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He will also work on trade policy and strengthening the wider commercial relationship between the UK and African countries.
Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
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 spanning Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. 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 held trade and diplomatic positions in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
