The United Kingdom Government has appointed Alastair Long as the new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to strengthen economic relations and expand commercial partnerships between Britain and the continent.
The appointment was announced by the UK Department for Business and Trade and disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the British Deputy High Commission.
According to the statement, Long will work closely with African governments, investors, businesses and institutions to promote trade cooperation, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth across the continent.
His responsibilities will include expanding commercial partnerships, supporting British and African businesses, improving investment opportunities and contributing to the development of resilient economies.
The British mission noted that Long returns to a region he is familiar with, having previously served 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.
Speaking on his return to the role, Long expressed excitement about resuming his engagement with Africa, describing the continent as a place of “boundless energy and ambition.”
“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.
“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.”
Long succeeds John Humphrey, who served as UK Trade Commissioner for Africa from June 2022.
Humphrey described his tenure as a privilege, saying UK-Africa relations remained rooted in “delivery, trust and shared economic ambition.”
He said Africa continued to hold a central position in Britain’s global economic strategy, with opportunities for deeper collaboration and sustainable growth.
The British Deputy High Commission said Long brings extensive trade experience and knowledge of the continent, adding that he would focus on building stronger partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in Africa and the UK.
The His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner leads the UK’s overseas efforts to promote trade, investment, export opportunities and trade policy objectives.
The office also coordinates Britain’s trade and investment activities in Africa, including improving market access for UK companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, while strengthening broader economic cooperation.
Long joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has held several diplomatic roles in the Middle East and North Africa.
He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge University, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
