UK Appoints Alastair Long as Africa Trade Commissioner

The United Kingdom Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, HMTC, for Africa.

The British Deputy High Commission announced the appointment in a statement on Monday, saying Long would work with governments, investors, businesses and institutions to strengthen economic ties between the UK and African countries.

It said his responsibilities would include expanding commercial partnerships, supporting UK and African businesses, attracting investment and promoting sustainable and resilient economic growth across the continent.

Long returns to the region after previously serving as Deputy Trade Commissioner and later as HMTC for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

Before his latest appointment, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023.

Reacting to his appointment, Long said he was delighted to return to Africa, describing the continent as “the future.”

He said his previous assignments had given him an opportunity to witness Africa’s energy and ambition, adding that the UK was committed to supporting economic growth on both sides.

“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.

Long added that he looked forward to engaging governments, businesses and other stakeholders across the continent to identify opportunities for mutual economic benefit.

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

Humphrey described his tenure as a privilege, saying he worked with partners across the continent to strengthen relations based on delivery, trust and shared economic ambitions.

He said Africa remained central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially focused cooperation and sustainable growth.

Long joined the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO, in 2002 and has held previous postings in the Middle East and North Africa.

The UK Trade Commissioner for Africa leads the government’s efforts across the continent to promote trade, investment, export opportunities and trade policy objectives.

The commissioner works with the UK’s diplomatic network and other government departments to strengthen trade and investment relations, improve market access for British companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, and advance trade policy.

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