UK Trade Commissioner Alastair Long Begins New Chapter Strengthening UK-Africa Trade and Investment
The UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade has welcomed Alastair Long to Africa as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, where he has now formally begun leading the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the continent.
Alastair Long has taken up his role as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa.
Enhanced trade and investment between the UK and Africa continue to create jobs, unlock business opportunities, drive innovation, strengthen industries and support sustainable economic growth across both regions.
Building on longstanding partnerships across the continent, Alastair Long will work with governments, investors, businesses and institutions to deepen economic ties between the UK and Africa.
As Trade Commissioner for Africa, Alastair 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.
Alastair 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. Prior to taking up his current position, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023.
Alastair joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002. His previous postings in the Middle East and North Africa include:
Riyadh, as Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director of Trade & Investment for Saudi Arabia (2018 to 2019)
Dubai, as Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Deputy Consul General (2016 to 2018)
Muscat, as Deputy Ambassador and HM Consul General (2013 to 2015)
Alastair was educated at Clare College, Cambridge University, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Alastair Long said:
“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 added:
“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.”
Alastair replaces John Humphrey, who held the role since June 2022.
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.”
He added:
“Africa is central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth. Alastair Long inherits strong UK momentum in Africa, and will bring real depth of trade expertise and the focus and energy needed to deepen partnerships and unlock further opportunities for mutual benefit. I wish him every success as he takes on this important role.”
Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners lead the UK’s overseas efforts to promote trade, investment, export opportunities and trade policy objectives and cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.
The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work in Africa including:
growing the overall trade and investment relationship
improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
developing trade policy
The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to deliver these goals.
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