Royal African Society Appoints Stella Okuzu as Interim Director
The Royal African Society (RAS) has announced the appointment of Stella Okuzu as its new Interim Director, bringing on board over two decades of leadership and financial expertise across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1901, the RAS is one of the UK’s oldest institutions dedicated to promoting understanding of Africa and strengthening relations between the continent, the UK, and the wider world. The Society is known for its influential events, cultural programmes, policy advocacy, and educational outreach.
Okuzu, the Founder and CEO of EDD Finance & Consulting Limited, has led numerous cross-border projects in market entry, capital raising, and financial inclusion, with a strong focus on Africa’s development. She previously served as Head of Personal & Business Banking at FCMB Bank (UK) Ltd, where she introduced Africa-focused financial products for SMEs and high-net-worth individuals. She also holds a Non-Executive Director role at FastCredit Limited, a Central Bank of Nigeria–licensed institution, where she chairs the Audit & Risk Committee.
Beyond finance, Okuzu has played a prominent role in education and thought leadership. Until June 2025, she lectured at BPP University, London, on Global Strategy & Sustainability and continues to mentor international students. She is also co-authoring a forthcoming textbook, Fintech for Management. Her contributions have earned her recognition as one of the Top 200 Voices in Leadership to Watch (2022) by LeadersHum and as one of the “Women Who Make London Great” by the Mayor of London in 2023.
Speaking on her appointment, Okuzu said:
“It is a privilege to join the Royal African Society as Interim Director at such an important moment in its history. Africa stands at the intersection of extraordinary challenges and opportunities—from digital innovation and entrepreneurship to sustainability and cultural exchange. My vision is to strengthen the Society’s role as a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world, amplifying African voices, ideas, and enterprises on the global stage.”
RAS Chair, Arunma Oteh, welcomed the appointment, describing Okuzu as an ideal leader to drive the Society forward:
“Her exceptional blend of financial expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to Africa’s growth and inclusion make her ideally suited to lead the Society. We look forward to working with her as we continue to promote greater understanding of Africa’s global role as well as help our members and other stakeholders foster meaningful partnerships.”
The Society also paid tribute to Andrew Skipper MBE, who is stepping down after his tenure as Director. Under his leadership, the RAS strengthened its platform and expanded its influence as a key voice for Africa in the UK and internationally.
With Okuzu’s appointment, the Royal African Society seeks to reinforce its role as a leading forum for cultural, political, and economic engagement, ensuring Africa’s perspectives remain central in global conversations.
