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Trade Promotion: Africa

Asked by Bell Ribeiro-AddyLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 23 February 2026UIN 112729

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the New Approach to Africa framework, published on 9 January 2025, how his Department plans to promote UK-Africa trade interests and protect import sensitive products.

Answered by Chris Bryant

Our new approach to Africa will place mutual growth at the centre of our relationships with the region. We have strengthened UK-Africa trade by building on the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which will simplify trading rules, boost African exports, and support growth. We support the African Continental Free Trade Area through a Regional Cumulation Group which allows producers to source inputs from up to 50 countries. Our Economic Partnership Agreements with 15 African countries support development by providing duty-free access and, boosting imports into the UK from these countries, while allowing African partners to protect sensitive products through tariffs and safeguards.

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