'Brexit' will most affect Anglophone Africa

Subject

Effects of the UK decision to leave the EU on African states.

Significance

The decision of voters in the United Kingdom to leave the EU ('Brexit') will alter its relationships with countries across the world. London's engagement with countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) will change depending on the form the Brexit takes, but the vote to leave risks diminishing the United Kingdom's influence.

Impacts

• Divides in EU and UK policy toward African issues could deepen.
• A weaker EU will reinforce the need for African states to build relationships with other areas of the world, particularly Asia.
• Diminishing UK influence could pressure countries such as Germany to expand their engagement with SSA states.