The United Kingdom Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to deepen trade, investment and economic partnerships between the UK and African countries.
The British Deputy High Commission announced the appointment in a statement on Monday, saying Long would work with governments, investors, businesses and institutions across the continent to strengthen economic ties.
In his new role, Long will focus on expanding commercial partnerships, supporting British and African businesses, attracting investment and promoting sustainable and resilient economic growth.
Long is returning to a region where 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 served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023.
Reacting to his appointment, Long expressed excitement about returning to Africa, describing the continent as a region with enormous economic potential, energy and ambition.
“I am thrilled to be taking up the position of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and returning to a continent I know well,” he said.
Long said the UK was committed to supporting economic growth in both Africa and Britain by responding to African priorities and leveraging British expertise and investment.
“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 added.
He said he looked forward to engaging governments, businesses and other stakeholders across Africa to identify and develop opportunities that would deliver mutual benefits.
Long succeeds John Humphrey, who had served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa since June 2022.
Reflecting on his tenure, Humphrey described his time in office as a privilege, saying he had worked with partners across Africa to strengthen relationships built on trust, delivery and shared economic ambitions.
He noted that Africa remained central to the UK’s global economic outlook, with significant opportunities for sustainable growth and commercially driven partnerships.
As Trade Commissioner, Long will lead the UK’s efforts across Africa to promote trade, investment and export opportunities while advancing the country’s trade policy objectives.
He will also work closely with the UK’s diplomatic network to improve market access for British businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen overall trade and investment relations with African countries.
Long joined the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2002 and has held several diplomatic positions in the Middle East and North Africa.
He studied at Clare College, University of Cambridge, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
