Scottish Africa Business Association Reports Growth as Trade Interest in Africa Builds

JOHANNESBURG  — The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) has reported a year of expansion and rising engagement between Scottish businesses and African partners, as interest in African markets continues to grow among companies seeking new trade and investment opportunities.

In its 2025 Annual Report, released on Monday, SABA outlines increased membership, broader sector participation and an expanded programme of trade missions, advisory services and high-level business convenings across Scotland, London and several African markets.

According to the report, membership growth was recorded across key sectors including energy, education and skills training, agriculture, maritime services and digital innovation. The association also noted stronger participation from African partners, reflecting deeper two-way engagement rather than one-directional trade outreach.

READ MORE: Anglo American–Teck Merger Clears Canadian Hurdle

Over the past year, SABA delivered a wide-ranging programme that included outward trade missions, inward business delegations, hydrogen and energy roundtables, executive briefings and its flagship Scotland London Africa Week. These platforms were designed to improve market access, support deal-making and provide businesses with practical insights into operating across African markets.

The report also highlights the expansion of SABA Consult, the association’s advisory arm, which provides Scottish companies and institutions with market intelligence, sector research and tailored introductions in priority African countries. SABA says demand for structured, on-the-ground support has increased as more firms move from early interest to active market entry planning.

The growing engagement comes against the backdrop of Scotland’s broader export landscape. In 2023, Scotland’s total international exports were estimated at £37.7 billion across goods and services. Africa currently accounts for a relatively small share of that total, with exports to countries such as Nigeria reported at around £5.6 million in a recent period. However, surveys indicate a shift in outlook: around 30% of Scottish mid-sized firms now identify Africa as a target region for new trade routes, underlining rising interest in the continent’s growth potential.

Frazer Lang, Chief Executive Officer of SABA, said the past year demonstrated both appetite and momentum among Scottish companies exploring African markets.

“Our work is helping businesses turn ambition into action, whether through market insight, in-country access, or practical introductions that accelerate commercial conversations,” Lang said. “With growing member engagement and a clear pipeline of trade missions and delegations for the year ahead, SABA is well positioned to deepen Scotland’s role in these markets.”

READ MORE: Stefanutti Stocks Emerges from Crisis

Chief Operating Officer Seona Shand said the association has focused on simplifying and strengthening market engagement for its members.

“The growth in membership and participation across our programmes shows that companies want practical pathways into African markets and trusted guidance along the way,” she said, adding that SABA would continue expanding its briefing platforms and advisory services.

Looking ahead, SABA plans to broaden its outward trade missions to North, West and East Africa, while increasing inward delegations to Scotland to facilitate direct engagement between Scottish and African businesses. The association also aims to scale Scotland London Africa Week as a flagship networking and insight platform, deepen its sector focus in areas such as energy, hydrogen, agriculture, aquaculture, ports and infrastructure, and enhance member support through SABA Consult.

SABA’s leadership says the report reflects sustained demand from Scottish organisations for international growth support and positions Africa as a high-potential region aligned with Scotland’s strengths in energy, skills development and innovation.

Founded as a non-political, Africa-focused trade organisation, SABA works to promote trade, investment and knowledge sharing between Scotland and African markets through business matchmaking, research, advisory services and trade missions.