The UK has a new trade commissioner to Africa.
On June 23, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the UK’s international trade secretary appointed John Humphrey to the role of Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to Africa.
Trade commissioners are responsible for promoting UK trade and prosperity in their region and work closely with Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other diplomatic staff.
As one of nine Trade Commissioners, Humphrey will promote Global Britain internationally and encourages UK trade and investment.
This new appointment comes in the wake of this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) where Prime Minister Boris Johnson redoubled commitments to further strengthen ties with the wider commonwealth.
There are 19 commonwealth nations located in the African continent, making it a key geographic region for improving diplomatic and trading relationships.
In addition to its $2.4 trillion collective economy, Africa offers businesses from the UK a lot of opportunities in the fields of sustainable energy and infrastructure.
Humphrey’s new role as trade commissioner for Africa will focus on generating business opportunities for the UK and contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies on the continent.
Prior to this new appointment, Humphrey held a private-sector position as the group chief executive at Kent Holdco Ltd and before that he held a government position as the chief executive for the UK’s Hydrographic Office
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of John Humphrey as the new Trade Commissioner for Africa, joining our international network of HMTCs across the globe,” International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said.
“John will be an asset to DIT in Africa; championing Global Britain and helping UK businesses to succeed in new markets, from Tunisia to Tanzania, Senegal to South Africa.”
“With a growing population and economy worth $2.4 trillion, a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and Africa presents huge opportunities across a variety of sectors including tech, transport, clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and Agri-Tech.”
John Humphrey, the new HM Trade Commissioner for Africa, said: “It is a great honour and hugely exciting to be appointed as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa.”
“Africa is a diverse, vibrant, innovative and abundant continent that is home to over 1.3 billion, mainly young, people and accounts for 20% of the world’s land mass.”
“As someone who spent my most memorable childhood years in Africa, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the Department for International Trade’s vital work enabling British businesses and investors to discover this remarkable continent and to generate long-term, mutually prosperous relationships.”
