UK's role in Africa shifts from “big brother” to partnership, says foreign secretary David Lammy | CliqExplainer

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is wrapping up his first tour of Africa, aiming to reset relations with the continent’s 54 nations. Speaking during visits to Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies, David Lammy emphasized a new UK approach focused on “respectful partnerships” that support long-term growth over short-term fixes. This visit is the first by a UK foreign secretary to Africa since 2013 and marks a departure from the traditional “big brother” approach, underscoring a commitment to collaboration and listening.

David Lammy’s trip comes amid shifting dynamics as global powers increase their presence in Africa. China has become the continent’s leading trade partner, Russia has forged military alliances with West African states, and oil-rich Gulf nations and Turkey have grown their influence through business and defense deals. In contrast, UK-Africa relations have been seen as “lackluster” in recent years, according to Alex Vines of Chatham House, who notes that David Lammy’s visit is an attempt to “reboot” ties, especially with South Africa, the UK’s largest trading partner on the continent.

Britain’s historic relationship with Africa includes many former colonies that are now members of the Commonwealth, with new members such as Rwanda, Togo, and Gabon joining, and Angola applying. Nicole Breadsworth, an academic at Wits University in South Africa, suggests that the Commonwealth will remain an essential platform for UK-African relations. David Lammy reiterated Britain’s desire to listen and support Africa’s growth, emphasizing the importance of fostering partnerships for mutual benefit.

The Labour government, with its roots in anti-apartheid solidarity, may further strengthen ties with African nations, especially South Africa, given historic connections to the movement that fought against white-minority rule. However, Breadsworth recalls that Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May also tried to renew ties with Africa before her resignation in 2019. Since then, Brexit, domestic crises, and the pandemic sidelined Africa in UK foreign policy, with the exception of a controversial, now-cancelled, deal to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

With Africa’s median age of 19, the continent’s young population offers significant growth potential, representing a projected 25% of the global population by 2050. Vines emphasizes that as the UK’s population ages, partnerships with Africa could help bridge skill gaps, though he warns against selective migration policies that could undermine African countries’ success.

While UK aid for Africa has declined, Vines suggests it will remain important for addressing humanitarian needs and supporting private sector expansion, though he doubts that funding levels will reach those seen under Tony Blair’s government. Breadsworth anticipates a more economically focused relationship, with opportunities for “mutually beneficial” ties that could normalize UK-Zimbabwe relations, potentially bringing Zimbabwe back into the Commonwealth.

Analysts expect the UK to support democracy in Africa through “quiet diplomacy,” with sensitive topics, like South Africa’s divergent stance on Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, likely addressed privately rather than publicly. The shift indicates a more balanced relationship where differing views on global issues do not hinder economic and political partnerships.

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