The United Kingdom has appointed Alastair Long as its new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to deepen trade and investment ties between Britain and the continent and create new commercial opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Long returns to Africa with extensive experience in the region, having previously 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, step up efforts 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 growth across Africa.
Speaking on his appointment, Long said his previous experience on the continent had given him a deep appreciation of its economic potential.
“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 tailor its engagement to 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 said.
His return is expected to be particularly significant for major economies such as Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and one of the UK’s key commercial partners on the continent. Nigeria is seeking to attract more foreign capital and expand non-oil exports as part of its broader economic diversification efforts.
As HMTC for Africa, Long will oversee the UK’s trade and investment activities across the continent, including initiatives designed to improve market access for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
He will also play a key role in shaping UK trade policy and strengthening the broader commercial relationship between Britain and African countries.
Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey said Africa remained central to the UK’s global outlook, highlighting the continent’s potential for commercially driven partnerships and sustainable economic growth.
Long brings more than two decades of diplomatic and trade experience across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa.
Before his appointment, he served as British Ambassador to Bahrain from August 2023.
He joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has held several diplomatic and trade positions in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
