Rabat – The United Kingdom has unveiled a new approach to its relationship with African countries, shifting away from traditional aid models and placing greater emphasis on investment, trade, climate action, and long-term partnerships.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, launched the new policy on December 15 in London during a speech to African Ambassadors, High Commissioners, UK lawmakers, and representatives from civil society and the private sector.
Speaking at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Baroness Chapman said the UK’s previous approach to Africa reflected the past and no longer matched today’s global realities. The new approach was shaped through listening to African governments, businesses, universities, civil society groups, and diaspora communities, she explained.
Over a five-month consultation process led by her predecessor, Lord Collins, the UK received input from more than 600 organisations. According to Chapman, a clear message emerged, which is that African countries want respectful, long-term partnerships that bring real improvements to people’s lives.
“We are not donors,” she said. “We are partners, investors, and reformers.”
From aid to investment
A central pillar of the new approach is moving from aid-based relationships to investment-driven partnerships. The UK says it will focus on supporting economic growth, job creation, and stronger trade ties between Africa and the UK.
Chapman recalled several existing agreements, including trade partnerships with Kenya and Nigeria, infrastructure cooperation with Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup, and a renewed growth partnership with South Africa. She also reaffirmed UK support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.
UK-backed investment institutions, such as British International Investment and UK Export Finance, will continue to support African businesses, local capital markets, and private-sector growth. The UK also confirmed its continued partnership with the African Development Bank and its role in mobilising private capital for development.
Migration, climate, and security
The new approach also addresses migration, with the UK stating that migration should be fair and managed, while illegal migration must be tackled. The government pledged to work with African partners to address the root causes of irregular migration, disrupt criminal networks, and improve border security, while also providing humanitarian support.
On climate change, Chapman acknowledged that Africa contributes the least to global emissions but faces some of the worst climate impacts. She said the UK would increase investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance, and support initiatives such as Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
The UK also committed to supporting peace and security efforts across the continent, particularly in Sudan, where Chapman described the conflict as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. She said the UK would continue working with African partners and the African Union to push for ceasefires, deliver aid, and prevent atrocities.
Health, debt reform, and global influence
Another key focus is strengthening systems that support people’s wellbeing and economic growth. The UK pledged £850 million to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, an investment it says could save more than one million lives.
Chapman also spoke about the need for international debt reform, noting that hundreds of millions of Africans live in countries where debt payments exceed spending on health. She said the UK supports greater African representation in global financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank and will push for further reforms during its G20 presidency in 2027.
Innovation and cultural ties
The final pillar of the strategy focuses on innovation, education, and cultural exchange. The UK plans to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital skills, research, sport, and the creative industries.
Chapman pointed to new initiatives such as the UK–South Africa AI Policy Training Programme and Imperial College London’s first African research hub in Ghana as examples of deeper scientific and educational cooperation.
Closing her speech, Chapman said the new approach marked the beginning of a different kind of relationship, one built on African leadership, mutual respect, and shared interests.
“This is not something we do for ourselves,” she said. “It is for the citizens of our countries in the UK and across Africa.”
