UK-Africa Trade: How Imports Have Changed Since Brexit
Trade between the UK and Africa is quietly evolving. In 2024, total trade between the two reached about £49 billion, far below Africa's trade with the EU and China.
Brexit marked a turning point. A weaker pound and a period of market uncertainty encouraged many African exporters to strengthen trade relationships with other markets.
The picture, however, is not entirely one of decline. New trade agreements and rising demand for critical minerals are creating fresh opportunities for UK–Africa trade.
As trade opportunities grow, so does the need for faster and more efficient cross border payments. That's where TranzyPay comes in, making it easier for businesses to trade confidently across the UK and Africa.
So, where do UK imports from Africa stand today, and what do the numbers suggest about where they are headed next?
The Impact of the Brexit Decision
Following the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016, the impact on trade between Africa and the UK became evident almost immediately.
In fact, sterling lost around 12% of its trade weighted value within just three months of the Brexit vote, reducing the UK's purchasing power for goods imported from Africa. As a result, many African exporters shifted their focus elsewhere, with exports to the UK falling by an estimated 20% to 30% compared with exports to the EU 27.
The trade figures tell the same story. Trade between the UK and Africa peaked at $51 billion in 2012, but by 2019 it had fallen to $27 billion. Meanwhile, the UK's share of Africa's total exports dropped steadily from 5.9% in 2001 to just 2.6% by 2023. Brexit may not have written the whole story, but it certainly changed the ending.
Who Is Trading What
South Africa remains the UK's largest trading partner in Africa, with total trade reaching £12.6 billion in 2025. Precious metals, vehicles, agricultural products, and minerals continue to account for a large share of that trade.
· Nigeria is the UK's second-largest trading partner on the continent, with total trade rising to £8.1 billion in the year to Q3 2025, an increase of 11.4% from the previous year. Growth was driven by stronger UK exports and continued imports of oil and agricultural products.
· Egypt, Kenya, and Ghana also remain important trading partners, reflecting growing opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and services. While their trade volumes are smaller than those of South Africa and Nigeria, they continue to play an increasingly important role in UK–Africa trade.
A New Chapter: The DCTS Reforms
The UK faces growing competition in Africa. In 2024, EU imports from the continent reached €189.5 billion, while China-Africa trade climbed to a record $275 billion. China is now the largest export market for 19 African countries, while the UK is not the top destination for any.
To remain competitive, the UK updated its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) in January 2026, making it easier for African exporters to qualify for preferential access.
Under the new rules, African exporters can use materials from up to 95 participating countries and still receive UK trade benefits. They can also use more imported materials than before without losing those benefits.
Nigeria has also been granted Enhanced Preference status, giving more than 3,000 products duty free access to the UK. Over time, these reforms could strengthen regional supply chains and support higher exports to the UK.
Looking Ahead to 2030
The outlook for UK Africa trade is mixed. On one hand, the UK's demand for critical minerals is rising fast, with lithium consumption projected to increase by 1,100% and copper by 90% by 2035. Agriculture also presents a growing opportunity, with value added in North and West Africa expected to grow by around 17% a year over the next five years.
On the other hand, the UK's 2025 Trade Strategy prioritises negotiations with the GCC, South Korea, Switzerland, and Turkey ahead of African partners. African countries are also absent from the UK's key initiatives on critical minerals and clean energy.
Without stronger engagement, the UK's share of African trade is likely to keep shrinking as China and Europe expand their presence. However, if the DCTS reforms are backed by investment in African processing capacity and closer alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area, UK Africa trade could regain momentum.
For businesses, leveraging that momentum will require not just access to the market, but quick and efficient transfer of funds across borders, which is something that TranzyPay can assist with for both UK and African firms.