Aberdeen, Scotland, 12 January 2026: The Scottish African Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com) has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of expansion, increased member activity and strategic engagement across Scotland, London and Africa. The report sets out concrete impacts across market access, advisory support, internal and external trade missions, and high-level meetings.
Over the past year, SABA has undertaken an ambitious program of activities including trade missions, inward delegations, hydrogen roundtables, executive briefings and the flagship Scotland London Africa Week. Membership has increased across sectors including energy, education and skills training, agriculture, maritime and digital innovation, with increased participation from both Scottish organizations and African partners.
SABA has also expanded its advisory capabilities through SABA Consult, which supports Scottish businesses and institutions with market intelligence, sector research and customized implementation across priority markets.
Scotland’s total international exports in 2023 are estimated at £37.7 billion, including goods and services, and the data shows that exports to Africa account for a small proportion of overall trade, with African countries such as Nigeria recorded as destinations for Scotland’s exports, although relatively modest in value (for example, recent exports to Nigeria were reported at around £5.6 million). Around 11,000 Scottish businesses export internationally (out of a total of around 346,000 businesses), demonstrating the scale of international involvement across all markets. A recent survey found that around 30% of Scottish mid-sized businesses mentioned Africa as a target for new trade routes, highlighting the growing interest in the continent among businesses looking to grow overseas.
Fraser Lang, CEO of SABA, said: “This year has demonstrated the ambition of Scottish businesses to explore African markets, and the strength of the partnerships that are emerging as a result. Our work can help provide market insight, in-country access or accelerate business deals. “We are helping businesses turn their ambitions into action, including through practical implementation. With increased member engagement and a clear pipeline of trade missions and delegations over the coming year, SABA is well placed to deepen Scotland’s role in these markets and support businesses in their pursuits.” It’s an international opportunity. ”
Seona Shand, COO It shows that they are looking for trusted guidance along the way. We look forward to helping even more organizations connect, build relationships and create new commercial outcomes as we expand our platforms, including SABA Briefing and SABA Consulting.”
Looking to the future
Over the next year, SABA plans to:
Expand our external trade mission program to North, West and East Africa Extend our inward delegation to Scotland, enabling direct engagement between Scottish and African partners Expand Scotland London Africa Week as our flagship platform for market insight and networking Strengthen our sector focus in energy, hydrogen, agriculture and aquaculture, ports and maritime, infrastructure, education and skills training Strengthen member support through SABA Consulting
SABA’s annual report outlines the continued demand from Scottish organizations for international growth support and highlights Africa as a region with high potential for partnership and investment aligned with Scotland’s capabilities in energy, skills and innovation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Scottish African Business Association (SABA). About the Scottish African Business Association (SABA):
SABA is a preeminent apolitical, Africa-focused member trade organization with an unparalleled and experienced Board of Directors, leveraging its extensive commercial, trade, political and government links across Scotland and Africa to foster trade, investment and knowledge sharing between Scotland’s world-class expertise and Africa’s priority sectors including energy, agriculture, the blue economy, healthcare, skills training and education.
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