UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent tour of Africa marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to its relationship with the 54-nation continent. His mission? To establish a respectful, collaborative partnership that prioritizes Africa’s long-term growth and stability over short-term interventions.
“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than dictate, focusing on long-term growth and a vision for a freer, safer, and more prosperous Africa,” Lammy stated as he outlined his goals in visiting key African nations like Nigeria and South Africa.
This tour is the first by a UK foreign secretary to Africa in over a decade, highlighting the changes in Africa’s global relationships and the growing influence of other world powers, including China, Russia, and Gulf nations, on the continent.
A Landscape of Diverse Global Partnerships in Africa
While the UK has traditionally maintained close ties with African nations—many of which are former colonies—other countries have forged strong economic and military bonds with African states. China, for instance, is now Africa’s largest trading partner, offering investment and infrastructure projects. Russia, meanwhile, has extended its reach by providing military assistance to African states combating insurgencies in West Africa. Additionally, nations from the Gulf and Turkey have strengthened their presence on the continent through business and military agreements.
The UK’s presence in Africa, in comparison, has been more subdued. Alex Vines, head of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, describes UK-Africa relations as “lacklustre” in recent years, with relations between the UK and its largest trading partner in Africa, South Africa, needing reinvigoration. Lammy’s trip is an attempt to rebuild this vital relationship.
“I want to understand the needs of our African partners and build relationships that will allow the UK and Africa to grow together,” Lammy said.
A Complex Shared History: The Commonwealth Connection
The UK’s connection to Africa runs deep, with many African countries being former British colonies and members of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth remains a significant platform for UK-Africa relations, welcoming not only former British colonies but also nations without colonial ties to the UK, such as Rwanda, Togo, and Gabon. Angola has recently applied to join, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s evolving role.
Historically, the UK adopted a “big brother” role in Africa following the independence of its former colonies. Yet this dynamic is shifting, with African nations seeking partnerships based on mutual respect and shared growth.
“Africa didn’t play a major role in a key UK policy document released last year, even though countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya were briefly mentioned,” Vines explains. He suggests that relations between the UK and South Africa may improve under the Labour government, partly because of the Labour Party’s long-standing ties with South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement.
The Impact of Domestic Challenges on UK-Africa Relations
Recent years have seen a series of domestic challenges in the UK that shifted focus away from Africa. Former Prime Minister Theresa May made efforts to strengthen ties with Africa, but her resignation in 2019 amid political turmoil left these initiatives unfulfilled. The UK then faced an unprecedented series of prime ministerial turnovers, dealing with Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which deprioritized Africa in UK foreign policy.
Dr. Nicole Beardsworth of Wits University notes that “Africa fell off the radar,” except for a controversial—and now-canceled—proposal to relocate some UK asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Africa’s Potential as a Young, Emerging Market
Africa’s demographic landscape offers promising opportunities for future partnerships. With a median age of 19, Africa stands as the world’s youngest continent and is projected to account for 25% of the global population by 2050. The UK Foreign Office recognizes this, with a renewed focus on fostering economic growth that benefits both continents.
With an aging population, the UK could benefit from the potential influx of skills and talent from Africa, provided this does not detract from Africa’s ability to foster its own growth and prosperity. As Vines points out, “Migration is a complicated and emotive issue, but the UK and other Western nations should avoid ‘cherry-picking’ the best talent, as this could hinder African states’ development.”
A Shift Toward Economic Growth and Mutual Benefit
Historically, the UK’s Africa policy has centered on development aid. However, economic strains have led to cuts in aid budgets, prompting the UK to rethink its approach to Africa. Dr. Vines emphasizes that while aid remains essential for addressing humanitarian crises, climate resilience, and private sector growth, it’s unlikely that the Labour government will significantly increase funding.
The Labour Party’s legacy as a global development advocate under Tony Blair has shifted. Today, the UK’s policy is steering toward economic partnerships that are “mutually beneficial” and emphasize shared growth, according to Beardsworth. This shift could even bring the UK closer to normalizing relations with Zimbabwe and supporting Harare’s re-entry into the Commonwealth, following years of strained relations under the late Robert Mugabe.
Navigating Divergent International Positions
Africa and the UK do not always align on international issues, particularly concerning the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. South Africa’s stance on these conflicts has frequently diverged from Western perspectives, yet this need not obstruct UK-Africa relations.
South African analyst Yanga Molotana explains, “Two things can exist simultaneously – I can still hold my position, and we can still have a mutually beneficial relationship without moral pressure.” This sentiment reflects a more flexible approach, allowing for cooperative partnerships despite differing viewpoints on global issues.
Vines adds that the UK will likely continue advocating for multi-party democracy in Africa but with “less finger-wagging” and a preference for quiet diplomacy.
