UK’s first black female career diplomat to be appointed high commissioner is a British-Nigerian

The United Kingdom Foreign Office has appointed its first black female career diplomat, NneNne Iwuji-Eme, British High Commissioner to the Republic of Mozambique.

The development is coming as UK steps up its efforts to change the overwhelmingly white, male face of the diplomatic service.

And one of the first mix in the new policy implementation is a British-Nigerian who has worked in the Foreign Office for 16 years.

She is to take over from Joanna Kuenssberg as British high commissioner to Mozambique in July.

Describing how she feels about the appointment, Iwuji-Eme said it was “an honour and a privilege” adding that she hopes to inspire others to pursue their ambitions.

She said, “I hope my appointment as the first British black female career diplomat to this position will inspire young talents, regardless of race or background, to pursue their ambitions in the Foreign Office.

“I look forward to forging even stronger connections between Britain and Mozambique – two close members of the Commonwealth family.”

In his reaction, the foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, described Iwuji-Eme as a woman with “vision, experience and energy” for the appointment.

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“As the country heads in a new and exciting direction, it’s important that we have the brightest and the best batting for Britain. Our great diversity is an invaluable asset on the global stage, and it’s only right that at all levels [of] the FCO reflects this.

“As a continent with some of the world’s fastest growing economies, Africa is an important partner post-Brexit. NneNne has the vision, experience and energy to take our relationship with Mozambique to the next level, and I congratulate her on her appointment,” Johnson said.

 

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