The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is pleased to announce that Alastair Long has been appointed His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, and will take up the role in August.
Alastair currently serves as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, having been appointed in August 2023.
Alastair brings deep knowledge of Africa, having been Deputy and then Acting Trade Commissioner for Africa between 2019 and 2022.
After joining the Foreign Office in 2002, Alastair’s previous HMG postings overseas include
- Riyadh, as HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Director Trade & Investment for Saudi Arabia from 2018 to 2019
- Dubai, as the Regional Director for Trade for the Middle East, Pakistan & Afghanistan and Deputy Consul General from 2016 to 2018
- Muscat, as Deputy Ambassador and HM Consul General from 2013 to 2015
Alastair was educated at Cambridge University (Clare College) and the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
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.
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.
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
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa 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 and Trade (DBT) work in Africa including
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growing the overall trade and investment relationship
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improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
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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.