The strategy comes after Britain reduced its aid budget by 40 percent this year, a move that has drawn scrutiny but which officials argue frees up resources to support longer-term growth through investment.
Chapman said the approach is designed to unlock private finance for sectors that African governments have identified as priorities, including infrastructure, energy, and industrial development.
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“The whole point of this is to scale up private capital for Africa’s development priorities,” Chapman said, underscoring the shift away from grant-based assistance.
The policy marks one of London’s most significant Africa-focused moves since the current government took office more than a year ago. It also comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in global trade, following months of volatile tariff decisions from Washington that have disrupted supply chains.
The United States has similarly signalled its intent to deepen commercial ties, particularly around critical minerals and energy, reinforcing Africa’s rising importance in global economic strategy.
