Rethinking British assumptions about Africa

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Written By Alice Palmer

Author: Professor Dominic McVey MBE

Rethinking British assumptions about Africa is well overdue. It is also critical for any serious discussion about the UK’s role in the world, its values and its future. 

We have been conditioned to expect bad news from the continent, from war to drought and the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. Headlines have already moved to famine in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its reverberating impact on economies and supply chains. 

Responding to the food security crisis, which affects more than 50 million[i] East Africans alone, must be a priority for the already over-stretched humanitarian system. British NGOs are world-leaders in emergency response and are rightly mobilising to support these communities. 

But what we read in the news about crisis disguises the reality of opportunity for African and British investment partnerships. Africa is the world’s fastest-growing economy. It is already the youngest continent on the planet[ii] , and by 2050 will account for 25 per cent[iii] of the global population. It is also set to be the world’s largest free trade area. The African Continental Free Trade Area brings together 54[iv] states in a continent rich in natural resources, culture and entrepreneurism. 

I have established businesses in Africa and advised governments and officials on trade and investment. Like everyone, especially African leaders and the business community, I recognise the crises that affect the continent. My perception, however, is one of opportunity and innovation.

There is vast potential to work with African countries to enable sustainable growth economies that can ‘leapfrog’ the pitfalls arising from exponential growth and become pioneers in low carbon exports. This will have a positive impact for people and the environment. Britain has the technology, experience and skills to add value. What we don’t have is the right mindset or approach.

While we rightly support response to conflict, climate change and famine, the UK must prioritise equitable and sustainable trading and investment partnerships. I have seen clearly how we can support this intelligently through the work of TradeMark East Africa, which works with the government and industry to make trade cheaper and quicker. 

This isn’t just good economic sense. It also tackles food insecurity. I was shocked to learn that against the backdrop of famine in East Africa, Tanzania and Uganda are net exporters of food. But excessive bureaucracy means it can cost up to $200 to clear a maize truck across a border[v]. TradeMark has helped slash the time to acquire permits and get goods moving across borders. That matters while people in neighbouring countries are dying from hunger.

We are already behind the curve. China, Russia and other nations have been engaging in inequitable and extractive relationships that stand in the way of global prosperity. It is time to reframe how we view and engage with Africa and better appreciate the role it plays in Britain’s supply chain security and managing migration. 

Without partnership, aid on its own can undervalue the potential and opportunity of the continent and its people. It is about opportunity. Most of all, it is about British values and how to construct our international partnerships. 

This article was first published in the Spectator.

Alice Palmer
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