World
UK Trade Commissioner to Facilitate More Partnerships, Investment in Nigeria
By Omolola Makanjuola
The newly appointed UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, Mr Alastair Long, has promised to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria and other African countries.
This comes as Mr Long took over the office from Mr John Humphrey, who had held the post since June 2022. As Trade Commissioner for Africa, Mr Long will focus on expanding commercial partnerships, supporting UK and African businesses, attracting investment, and helping to build sustainable, resilient and productive economies across the continent.
“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.
“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. I look forward to engaging across the continent, with the UK business community, and with the UK Government team, to realise as many mutual opportunities as possible,” he added.
Mr Long, as the Trade Commissioner, has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work in Africa, which includes growing the overall trade and investment relationship, improving market access for British companies, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and developing trade policy.
The envoy works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.
He returns to a region he knows well, having previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and then HM Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022. He has also worked for the UK in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.
The outgoing Mr John Humphrey said, “It has been a privilege to serve as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa and to work with partners across the continent to strengthen a relationship grounded in delivery, trust and shared economic ambition.”
