Africa post-brexit in EU development cooperation policy and UK trade policy: Investing in new relationships?

Abstract

The departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) will see the introduction of new trade policy for the UK and changes to existing EU external policies, particularly its Development Cooperation Policy. The latter was due to be refreshed as the 2000 Cotonou Agreement comes to an end and the UK’s departure will have a significant impact on the future shape of that policy as there may be fewer resources available for EU development activities and it will have to deal with the nascent UK trade policy which will focus on “old friends and new allies”. Looking at future EU and UK relations with Africa, this contribution examines the future of the new relationships which both parties are seeking to forge with that continent in the years to come which seems to focus on greater investment as Africa itself moves towards greater regional integration. Whether these proposed ambitious plans will be realised remains uncertain as does the future scope of cooperation in the realm of development, which is referenced in the Political Declaration outlining the scope for an ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership between the EU and the UK to be negotiated by the end of 2020.