24 Oct UK-Africa Strategy: A Vital Cog in UK Foreign Policy
In the 21st century, which is characterised by the decline of a hegemonic power, major powers (China, USA, Russia, the European Union) and both traditional (Norway, Spain, Denmark) and emerging powers (India, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia) are courting Africa; both for its economic potential as well as for its growing geopolitical influence. Meanwhile, at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, support from Africa on global issues that impact on national security is vital, especially for the UK, which places a high priority on multilateralism. As Andrew Hudson from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said, “No power without Africa in its corner can credibly claim the title of global leader.”
A new UK-Africa strategy is therefore long overdue, and the absence of such a comprehensive strategy places the UK at a disadvantage in today’s uncertain and competitive multipolar global order. The proposed “Approach” document being considered by the present Labour government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) presents an opportunity to finally answer some of the key questions about the UK’s approach to Africa.
Importance of UK Relations with Africa
The Integrated Review Refresh 2023 emphasised that the UK’s approach to Africa will “continue to be defined by a greater appreciation of the needs and perspectives of key partners across the continent…”. Furthermore, David Lammy said in a major foreign policy speech prior to becoming Foreign Secretary that “it would be a huge mistake for Labour to overlook the importance of Africa.”
The UK is an important investor, a market for African goods, and a provider of aid. The UK-Africa Summit, which was last held in 2022 and subsequently postponed in 2024, is the main structured vehicle for the UK’s engagement with Africa. It is an important start, but with UK Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to Africa falling – from approximately £8 billion in 2018 to approximately £4 billion in 2020 – there is much to be done. Similarly, African imports and exports which were at nearly 5 per cent in 2012–13 have declined significantly, to between 2 and 3 per cent of total UK trade. This is despite the growing GDP of the African continent.
Similarly, while in 2023 Africa remained the largest recipient of UK Overseas Development Aid (ODA) , at 46 per cent – up from 42 per cent in 2022 – in volume terms, ODA to Africa decreased by £12 million (1 per cent) to £1,229 million. As strategic rivals scale up their aid and development investments in Africa, there is a risk that the UK gets muscled out.
Key Focus Areas of the UK-Africa Strategy
First and foremost in any UK-Africa strategy, the mantra “African solutions to African problems” must hold true. In creating a new UK-Africa strategy it is imperative that the continent’s priorities be highlighted.
In this respect, the UK-Africa strategy should rest on two key pillars. The first pillar should focus on bilateral relations and the work already being done with key states in Africa, such as South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Angola, amongst others (some of already identified in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023).
The second pillar should focus on six priority areas namely: trade, investment and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the green economy and beneficiation of critical minerals, building of infrastructure, promotion of peace and security, development cooperation and importantly support for the African Agenda 2063, which is the socioeconomic blueprint for the African continent.
For both trade and security it is noteworthy that the global transition to clean energy will increase demand for critical minerals. In this regard, Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to hold about 30 percent of the volume of proven critical mineral reserves, and therefore has the potential to grow the continent’s GDP by 12% in 2050. Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreement will create the largest free trade area in the world. The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at £2.6 trillion. Particular attention should be paid to these developments which present significant trade and geopolitical opportunities.
Increasing development cooperation with Africa will also support Africa in trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (2030) and assist Africa to reduce poverty and ameliorate migratory pressures on the UK. Supporting the socioeconomic development of Africa also promotes the UK’s core priorities of prosperity and security.
Strengthening Relationships
The UK is already behind the curve. Africa has a number of already very successful partnerships, not least the Africa/China (FOCAC), Africa/Japan (TICAD), Africa/India, and Africa/EU partnerships, all of which could be used as exemplars upon which to measure best practice.
The UK’s relationship with Africa has, of course, often been particularly complex and is often viewed through the prism of colonialism. In order to dispel the ghosts of the past, a future UK-Africa strategy should seek to emphasise a relationship that is based on an equal partnership and on mutually beneficial outcomes.
In doing so, the UK has to accept an important corollary in respect for the principle of nonalignment, and that African countries will pursue their own independent foreign policies. This is especially true in an era characterised by a new, more equal global power dynamic, and the promotion of African priorities.
The Way Forward
The UK has a substantial soft power presence in Africa, multifaceted bilateral relations, deep historical linkages, a significant African diaspora, substantial trade and investment linkages, engagements with the African Union (AU), and is part of the Commonwealth organisation to which many African countries belong. The existence of development financial institutions like the British International Investment (BII), and participation in the multi-donor agency such as the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), also provide a valuable foundation upon which the UK can strengthen its role in Africa.
To achieve this goal, however, Africa will need to be placed on the same footing as the UK’s foreign policy interests in other parts of the globe. Too often Africa has been an after thought, rather than being seen as a key strategic partner. It will require the attention at the highest level of government, the mobilisation of relevant government departments and the regular engagement of institutions like the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa (APPG). It’s a big task, but it’s possible, and, as the winds of global politics continue to shift, ultimately it’s essential.
