A Reset That Never Arrived: Keir Starmer’s UK-Africa Legacy
Keir Starmer’s tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was marked by a promise to reset the country’s relationship with Africa. The continent, which had been largely neglected under successive Conservative governments, was supposed to be a key focus of the Labour Party’s efforts to rebuild Britain’s global relationships. However, nearly two years on, it is clear that this reset has not yet materialized.
When Starmer took office in July 2024, officials spoke of new partnerships, deeper engagement, and a more strategic approach to a continent of growing economic and geopolitical importance. The promise was of a more equal and mutually beneficial relationship, one that would see the UK work closely with African nations on issues such as trade, security, and development. But as the months have turned into years, it has become increasingly clear that this vision has not been translated into reality.
One of the key areas where this reset was supposed to be felt was in trade. The UK had long been a major player in African trade, but under the Conservatives, relations had become increasingly strained. The promise of a new era of cooperation was seen as a welcome development, particularly for countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, which had traditionally been key partners for the UK. However, despite the rhetoric, trade between the UK and Africa has continued to decline. In fact, according to official figures, UK-Africa trade has fallen by over 15% since Starmer took office, with many African countries feeling that the UK is no longer a reliable or trustworthy partner.
A Lack of Commitment
So why has this reset not arrived? One reason is the lack of commitment from the UK government. Despite the rhetoric, the reality is that the UK has not prioritized its relationship with Africa. Other regions, such as the Americas and Europe, have taken center stage in the UK’s foreign policy, with Africa relegated to the sidelines. This lack of commitment is reflected in the UK’s aid budget, which has been cut by over 20% since Starmer took office. While the UK’s aid budget is still significant, the cuts have had a disproportionate impact on African countries, which rely heavily on UK aid to fund key development programs.
Another reason for the failure of the reset is the UK’s continued reliance on traditional donors and partners in Africa. Despite the promise of a more equal and mutually beneficial relationship, the UK has continued to rely on a handful of traditional donors, including Ghana and Nigeria. These countries have been expected to carry the burden of UK-Africa relations, with little recognition or reward. This has led to frustration and resentment among many African countries, which feel that they are not being treated as equal partners.
A Missed Opportunity
The failure of the reset is not just a missed opportunity for the UK; it is also a wasted chance for Africa. The continent is growing in economic and geopolitical importance, and a more equal and mutually beneficial relationship with the UK could have been a major boost to African development. Instead, the UK’s continued failures and shortcomings have led to a growing sense of disillusionment among many African countries. This disillusionment is not just about trade or aid; it is about the UK’s willingness to work with Africa as an equal partner, to listen to its concerns, and to prioritize its interests.
Reactions and Implications
The failure of the reset has not gone unnoticed in Africa. Many countries have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the UK’s continued failures, with some even questioning the value of the UK-Africa relationship. The implications of this failure are significant, not just for the UK but also for Africa. A more equal and mutually beneficial relationship with the UK could have been a major boost to African development, but instead, the UK’s continued shortcomings have led to a growing sense of disillusionment.
Looking Forward
As the UK’s relationship with Africa continues to evolve, it is clear that the reset has not yet arrived. However, there is still time for the UK to get things right. If the UK is serious about rebuilding its relationship with Africa, it needs to take a more committed and strategic approach. This means prioritizing Africa in the UK’s foreign policy, investing in the continent’s development, and working closely with African countries to address key challenges. It also means recognizing Africa as an equal partner, listening to its concerns, and prioritizing its interests. Only then can the UK start to build a more equal and mutually beneficial relationship with Africa, one that reflects the continent’s growing economic and geopolitical importance.