Nigeria’s NneNne Iwuji-Eme has been appointed by the Foreign Office as the first black female career diplomat as a high commissioner as it steps up efforts to change the overwhelmingly white, male face of the diplomatic service.
Having spent 16 years in the Foreign Office, NneNne Iwuji-Eme will take up her role as British high commissioner to Mozambique in July, taking over from Joanna Kuenssberg.
Iwuji-Eme said it was “an honour and a privilege” to be appointed to the role and that she hoped she would inspire others to pursue their ambitions.
“I hope my appointment as the first British black female career diplomat to this position will inspire young talent, regardless of race or background, to pursue their ambitions in the Foreign Office,” she said.
“I look forward to forging even stronger connections between Britain and Mozambique – two close members of the Commonwealth family.”
The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said NneNne Iwuji-Eme has “vision, experience and energy” for the appointment.
He added that: “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.”
This appointment makes NneNne Iwuji-Eme the first black female career diplomat as a high commissioner when she takes up her role in July. This is just such a great news.
NneNne Iwuji-Eme has worked as an economist in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and for Royal Dutch Shell.
Since joining the Foreign Office, NneNne Iwuji-Eme has held various positions from economic adviser for Africa to Chief Press Officer to the Africa minister.
Her most recent posting was to Brazil as first secretary prosperity and acting prosperity consul. Congratulations to the ever focused and diligent NneNne Iwuji-Eme. She remains an inspiration to other women working hard to make a name for themselves.
Inspiring