How the UK’s ‘big brother’ role in Africa is changing

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is wrapping up his first official tour of Africa, which aims to reset the UK’s relationship with the continent. On the trip, Lammy emphasized the UK’s new approach to Africa, focusing on fostering “respectful partnerships” based on long-term growth, safety, and prosperity. This shift in tone is part of the Labour government’s broader strategy, following its return to power earlier this year.

Lammy’s visit to Nigeria and South Africa comes at a time when global dynamics in Africa have shifted significantly. The UK’s once-dominant role in Africa is now being challenged by other powers. China, for instance, has become the largest trade partner for many African countries, while Russia has expanded its influence, offering military support to West African nations dealing with insurgencies. Gulf nations, along with Turkey, have also increased their presence in Africa through business and military agreements.

In contrast, UK-Africa relations have been relatively lackluster in recent years. According to Alex Vines, head of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, the UK’s interactions with its largest trading partner on the continent, South Africa, have been particularly subdued. Lammy’s visit is seen as an effort to “reboot” these relations and engage with African leaders on a more equitable basis.

“I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and Africa can grow together,” Lammy explained. This marks a departure from previous British policies, which often saw the UK acting as a “big brother” to its former colonies, a legacy stemming from the colonial era and the Commonwealth, an organization of 56 member countries, many of which are in Africa.

Despite historical ties, the UK’s influence on the continent has diminished, especially as new players have emerged. In the past, as African nations gained independence in the 20th century, the UK maintained close relationships with many countries, especially those in the Commonwealth. Today, these relationships are evolving, as economic and political realities shift on both sides.

Dr. Vines notes that Africa was not a major focus in a key UK foreign policy document released last year, which highlighted the country’s broader priorities. While countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya were mentioned, there was little substance beyond these references. However, Vines believes that South Africa-UK relations could improve under the Labour government due to shared historical ties, particularly from the anti-apartheid struggle, where the Labour Party showed significant solidarity.

In contrast, previous Conservative leadership struggled to solidify UK-Africa ties. Former Prime Minister Theresa May’s efforts to enhance relations with Africa were overshadowed by internal political crises, including her resignation in 2019. The subsequent turmoil, including the UK’s departure from the European Union and the Covid-19 pandemic, saw Africa “fall off the radar” in UK foreign policy, according to Nicole Beardsworth, a South Africa-based academic.

The UK Foreign Office, however, remains optimistic about Africa’s future. With the continent’s median age of 19, it is the world’s youngest, offering significant opportunities for investment and skills-sharing. By 2050, Africa is projected to account for 25% of the global population, a fact the UK sees as a key factor in shaping future relations. Vines suggests that migration and skills-sharing will become more prominent, noting that Western countries, including the UK, must avoid “cherry-picking” the continent’s best talent, which could undermine African nations’ own growth.

Economic growth is set to be a cornerstone of the UK’s new Africa strategy. The Foreign Office has emphasized that “growth” will be central to future relations with Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond, promising more jobs and opportunities for both Brits and Africans. Historically, UK-Africa relations have been centered on development aid, but as the UK faces its own economic challenges, aid levels have declined. Vines does not expect the Labour government to significantly increase aid spending but points out that aid will still be important for addressing humanitarian crises and supporting private sector development in Africa.

The UK’s future relationship with Africa is expected to be more economically focused, and possibly more “mutually beneficial,” says Beardsworth. This shift could also lead to the normalisation of UK-Zimbabwe relations, which soured under the leadership of the late Robert Mugabe. Furthermore, while differences over issues like the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East may arise, analysts suggest that such disagreements won’t necessarily hinder the relationship. South Africa, for example, has taken a neutral stance on these conflicts, and as Yanga Molotana, a South African analyst, argues, countries can maintain “mutually beneficial” relationships without agreeing on every issue.

Moving forward, Dr. Vines expects the UK to continue advocating for democracy across Africa, but with a shift toward “quiet diplomacy” rather than public moralizing. The emphasis will be on private dialogue and collaboration, aligning more closely with the evolving political and economic realities of both the UK and Africa.

In summary, the UK’s role in Africa is shifting from a historical “big brother” stance to a more modern, partnership-based approach, focused on mutual economic benefits, skill-sharing, and long-term growth. As Africa’s influence grows on the world stage, the UK is recalibrating its relationships to adapt to a changing geopolitical landscape.