DAVID Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, is nearing the end of his first tour of Africa, seeking to restore the country’s diplomatic ties with the continent. This initiative is driven by his vision of forging respectful and long-term partnerships that can foster sustainable growth, security, and prosperity across the region.
Lammy’s trip, which took him to Africa’s two largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa, is part of the new Labour government’s approach to international relations. Since the Labour government last held power in 2010, Africa’s global relationships have shifted dramatically, with China now acting as the largest trade partner for many African nations, while Russia and oil-rich Gulf states have strengthened their influence.
The UK’s relationship with Africa, however, has become less prominent in recent years, and this trip is seen as an effort to address the growing gap. As Lammy stated, ‘Our new approach will deliver partnerships that listen rather than dictate, focusing on long-term growth over quick fixes.’
Changing dynamics of UK-Africa relations
UK-Africa relations have historically been defined by colonial ties, with almost all African countries that were once part of the British Empire still within the Commonwealth. However, the UK’s role has diminished as global power dynamics have evolved, particularly with the rise of China and Russia’s growing presence on the continent.
Alex Vines, head of Chatham House’s Africa Programme, notes that UK relations with Africa are ‘a lot more lacklustre’ compared to the growing influence of other powers. South Africa, in particular, a key trading partner for the UK, has seen its relationship with Britain become strained. Lammy’s visit to South Africa is seen as a strategic move to repair this bond.
‘We want to listen to our African partners, build long-lasting relationships, and grow together,’ Lammy said during his trip, emphasising a shift away from the historical paternalistic approach.
The potential of Africa’s youthful population
Africa, home to the world’s youngest population with a median age of just 19, presents immense opportunities for growth. The UK Foreign Office has highlighted that by 2050, Africa will account for 25 percent of the world’s population, providing a growing workforce for the UK.
This youthful demographic is increasingly seen as an asset, with the UK seeking to share knowledge and skills to benefit both sides. However, migration remains a complex issue. Vines points out that the UK should avoid ‘cherry-picking’ Africa’s talent and instead support the continent’s broader development.
Economic growth, trade, and changing priorities
Historically, the UK’s African policy has been driven by development aid, but the financial constraints imposed by its own economic challenges have seen cuts to this funding. Despite this, both Lammy and Vines suggest that trade and economic growth will become the centrepiece of the UK’s future engagement with Africa.
Nicole Beardsworth, an academic at Wits University in South Africa, predicts that the UK’s relations with African nations will become more economically focused and mutually beneficial, with a shift from aid dependency to more robust trade partnerships.
Moreover, Lammy’s visit could mark the beginning of the UK’s re-engagement with Zimbabwe. The country, once isolated due to Robert Mugabe’s rule, could be welcomed back into the Commonwealth under a Labour government, potentially normalising relations with Harare.
Private diplomacy and long-term goals
While the UK continues to advocate for multi-party democracy across Africa, Vines anticipates a shift in approach, focusing less on public reprimands and more on quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Yanga Molotana, a South African analyst, supports this view, telling the BBC that the UK can maintain a “mutually beneficial relationship” with African nations, even where there are differences on key international issues such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Lammy’s trip signals a broader shift in UK-Africa relations, moving from colonial legacies and aid dependency to stronger, more sustainable economic partnerships. However, the success of these initiatives will hinge on the UK’s ability to offer tangible benefits to African nations while fostering mutual respect and long-term collaboration.
