After the Promises: Re-thinking UK Policy in Africa

Coalition government in the UK is an opportunity to revise policy on Africa. More aid to Africa is touted as proof of politicians’ compassion and conscience. But an emerging cross-party consensus has ignored significant policy failures. Democracy, trade, technology and regional integration are transforming Africa – often in ways which policymakers did not anticipate. These notes argue that effective engagement demands more coherent support for Africa’s national and regional institutions, less grandiose ambition.