UK Appoints Alastair Long as Africa Trade Commissioner, Boosts Nigeria Ties

The UK government has appointed Alastair Long as its new Trade Commissioner for Africa, succeeding John Humphrey and tasked with deepening trade and investment links across the continent. Long, who previously held the role from 2019 to 2022 and most recently served as UK Ambassador to Bahrain, brings extensive experience in Africa and the Middle East. He will work with African governments, businesses and investors to expand commercial partnerships, attract investment and support sustainable growth, with a focus on bilateral ties, market access for UK firms and trade policy.

For Nigeria, the appointment coincides with several UK initiatives: a £15 million Growth Programme launched in June to accelerate economic transformation and attract private investment; a broader £9 billion five‑year investment strategy for African frontier markets led by British International Investment, which aims to channel nearly £5 billion into Nigeria and similar markets; and a £746 million financing deal secured by the Federal Government in April. Additionally, the UK said it had engaged experts from 30 British companies to advance trade and investment agreements reached during President Tinubu’s state visit in March.

These moves signal stronger UK‑Nigeria economic ties, potentially creating more export opportunities, infrastructure financing and private‑sector partnerships. Will you explore how these UK‑backed programmes could benefit your business or career, or consider sectors where increased British investment might open new doors?

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/09/07/uk-appoints-alastair-long-as-trade-commissioner-for-africa/