London, September 2024. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Africa held its first Inaugural General Meeting (IGM) of the new parliamentary session on 12 September 2024, marking a fresh chapter in UK-Africa relations under a new government. Chaired by the Hon. President Lord Paul Boateng. The meeting saw a strong turnout of Peers and MPs including newly elected Members of Parliament all united in their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial relationships between African nations and the UK whilst actively challenging negative stereotypes about Africa, and amplifying the voices of African diasporas..

The event was highlighted by the inaugural appearance of Lord Ray Collins, the newly appointed Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). His presence underscored the UK government’s renewed focus on fostering deep and sustainable partnerships with African nations. Focusing on advancing trade, and investment, and addressing key global challenges such as climate change, conflict resolution, and economic development.

Lord Collins emphasised Africa’s growing importance on the global stage and reinforced the government's backing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the necessity of aligning economic growth with climate action, using the Lobito Corridor in Angola as an example of how infrastructure can serve both energy development and agricultural sustainability.

The discussion with the Minister saw lively contributions from Members of Parliament and Peers addressing a wider range of critical issues affecting UK-Africa relations.

Chi Onwurah MP focused on the need to amplify African voices in global forums, calling for debt restructuring and highlighting a growing role of the African diaspora in shaping UK-Africa policy. Lord Boateng stressed the importance of investment in job creation in extractive industries in countries such as the DRC, as a means to prevent youth disenfranchisement and reduce the risk of militancy. Lord Henry Bellingham raised urgent concerns over the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel region, urging more decisive UK intervention to support peace and stability. Baroness Lindsay Northover and Emily Darlington MP questioned how the UK could strengthen its influence in Africa, particularly in light of competition from countries like China. In response Lord Collins reiterated the UK’s emphasis on fostering long-term partnerships based on mutual respect, noting that while the UK cannot match China’s financial reach, it offers more sustainable, locally-driven solutions that are better suited to Africa’s long-term ambitions

New Government, New Parliament, New Energy

With a host of new MPs joining the group, the APPG Africa’s agenda signals a renewed commitment to building on its strong policy legacy. Under the leadership of the newly elected officers, the APPG will not only continue to address key global challenges, but also expand on its policy impact in areas that have already made waves:

• Visit Visas: Following the success of its inquiry into the difficulties African visitors face when applying for UK visas, the APPG reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for visa reforms that make travel between Africa and the UK easier and more equitable.
• Africa in UK School Curricula: Building on its advocacy for the inclusion of accurate African history and creative literature in the UK’s education system, the APPG will continue efforts to ensure UK school curricula accurately reflects African countries, cultures and diasporas in UK Education
• UK-Africa Trade Relations: With UK-Africa trade reaching £44.9 billion in early 2024, the APPG remains dedicated to expanding trade partnerships that support African industrialisation, particularly through its support for the AfCFTA, which has the potential to unlock unprecedented economic opportunities and development.
• Just-Energy Transitions: Launching the findings of the Just Energy Transition Inquiry is set to take place in early 2025. The inquiry, aimed at exploring how the UK Government can best support African nations transitioning to renewable energy in a way that is equitable, sustainable and just is expected to provide crucial recommendations to UK policymakers.

Leadership for the New Term

The meeting also saw the election of a dynamic leadership team, reflecting the cross-party commitment to advancing UK-Africa relations:

• Chair & Registered Contact: Chi Onwurah MP (Labour)
• Co-Chair: Lord Jonny Oates (Liberal Democrat)
• Vice-Chairs: Harriett Baldwin MP (Conservative) and Kate Osamor MP (Labour)
• Honorary Treasurer (Informal): Sam Rushworth MP (Labour)

A diverse and experienced executive committee of MPs and Peers will work with the Secretariat at the Royal African Society to guide the group’s work over the next year, ensuring the APPG remains at the forefront of parliamentary advocacy on Africa and continues to engage of a broad spectrum of voices from both Parliament and beyond. As Janet Rogan, CEO of the Royal African Society which provides the secretariat to the APPG concluded, “This APPG has a legacy of shaping meaningful policy on UK-Africa relations, and with new voices at the table, we are committed to taking that impact to the next level.”

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Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact the APPG Secretariat:
Hetty Bailey Morgan, hb28@soas.ac.uk

About APPG on Africa:
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Africa is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between African nations and the UK while challenging negative stereotypes about

Africa. The APPG focuses on advancing economic, cultural, and political ties, with an emphasis on sustainable development and shared interests.