Antony Phillipson CMG

British High Commissioner to South Africa UK Government

Antony Phillipson CMG is the British High Commissioner to South Africa, bringing extensive experience in diplomacy, international trade, and economic partnerships to his role. A career civil servant since 1993, Phillipson has held senior positions across the UK Government, including as Her Majesty’s Consul General in New York and Trade Commissioner for North America, where he led efforts to deepen UK–US trade and investment ties. Prior to that, he served as High Commissioner to Singapore, Director of Trade and Partnerships for the Department for Exiting the European Union, and in senior foreign policy and trade roles within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Educated at Marlborough College and Keble College, Oxford, he combines deep policy insight with practical leadership on global economic engagement. In recognition of his contributions to British foreign policy and international trade, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2024. Phillipson’s work in South Africa focuses on strengthening bilateral and regional economic partnerships and fostering inclusive economic growth.