What Would a Serious Africa Policy Look Like for the UK?

The UK’s relationship with Africa has historically been one of exploitation, extraction, condescension, and inequity since the beginning of the colonial period. Since decolonisation, successive British governments have generally not prioritised the UK’s geopolitical and economic relations with African states, which has led to declining British influence on the continent, both in terms of soft power and investment. The continent is transforming, however, and many African states are experiencing high levels of economic growth and possess important natural resource wealth. UK progressives should take the radical step of centring African relations in British foreign policy and develop a policy platform built on significant mutually-beneficial investment and genuine, equitable economic and geopolitical partnership, rather than purely aid.

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