ABSTRACT
For us in the Commonwealth and Africa, especially Nigeria, the UK exiting from the European Union (EU) could have both positive and negative repercussions and consequences. The only way it could work for the UK to continue trading indirectly with the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Commonwealth was the signing by the European Economic Community of the Lome Convention, updated in the Cotonou Agreement and later the Economic Partnership Agreements. Africa is that it will still be able to trade within regional blocs—for example, the Economic Community of West African States and Southern African Development Community—with the EU; encouraged to do so by the World Trade Organisation. A new trade agreement could be put in place which would incorporate Nigeria, the region's largest economy and market. However, for the UK, even if Scotland exits the country will continue to be a powerful and influential political, economic and military powerhouse, and a traditional ally and friend for Africa and the Commonwealth.
