The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) has published its Annual Report for 2025, outlining a year of organisational growth, increased member engagement, and expanded activity across Scotland, London, and several African markets. The report highlights SABA’s work in supporting market access, advisory services, trade missions, and stakeholder engagement.
During the year, SABA delivered a programme that included outward trade missions, inward delegations, sector-focused roundtables, executive briefings, and the annual Scotland London Africa Week. Membership expanded across a range of sectors, including energy, education and skills training, agriculture, maritime, and digital innovation, with increased participation from both Scottish organisations and African partners.
SABA also strengthened its advisory offering through SABA Consult, which provides market intelligence, sector research, and tailored introductions to support organisations exploring opportunities in priority African markets.
The report places this activity within the broader context of Scotland’s international trade. In 2023, Scotland’s total international exports were estimated at £37.7 billion across goods and services. Exports to Africa currently represent a relatively small share of this total, with individual markets such as Nigeria accounting for modest volumes, reported at approximately £5.6 million in a recent period.
Around 11,000 Scottish businesses export internationally, out of an estimated total of 346,000 businesses. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 30% of Scottish mid-sized firms identify Africa as a potential destination for new trade routes, reflecting growing interest in the region.
Commenting on the report, SABA Chief Executive Officer Frazer Lang said that the past year demonstrated increasing interest among Scottish companies in engaging with African markets, supported by expanding partnerships and practical commercial engagement. He noted that SABA’s activities are focused on helping organisations move from initial interest to active market participation through insight, access, and introductions.
Chief Operating Officer Seona Shand added that SABA’s priority has been to deliver practical value to members by making market engagement more accessible and better informed. She highlighted growth in membership and programme participation as indicators of demand for structured pathways into African markets and trusted advisory support.
Looking ahead, SABA plans to expand its outward trade missions to North, West, and East Africa, increase inward delegations to Scotland, and further develop Scotland London Africa Week as a platform for networking and market insight. The association also intends to deepen its sector focus in areas such as energy and hydrogen, agriculture and aquaculture, ports and maritime, infrastructure, and education and skills training, while continuing to enhance member support through SABA Consult.
The Annual Report concludes that demand among Scottish organisations for international growth support remains strong and identifies Africa as a region with significant potential for partnership and investment aligned with Scotland’s capabilities in energy, skills, and innovation.
