The Royal African Society (RAS) has confirmed the appointment of Stella Okuzu as its new Interim Director. With more than 20 years of experience across banking, consultancy, and academia in Africa and the UK, Okuzu brings financial expertise, strategic vision, and a longstanding commitment to advancing African enterprise and international partnerships.
Founded in 1901, the Royal African Society is one of Britain’s oldest institutions dedicated to Africa. It works to deepen understanding of the continent while strengthening links between the UK, Africa, and the wider global community. Through public events, policy engagement, cultural initiatives, and educational outreach, the organisation has positioned itself as a leading platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Okuzu takes up the role with an impressive track record in financial services and consultancy. She is the Founder and CEO of EDD Finance & Consulting Limited, which advises businesses across Africa, the UK, and Europe on market entry, capital raising, and cross-border expansion. The firm manages several funding initiatives, with a particular emphasis on African development and financial inclusion in emerging markets.
Earlier in her career, she served as the first Head of Personal & Business Banking at FCMB Bank (UK) Ltd, where she developed Africa-focused products for SMEs and high-net-worth clients. Under her leadership, the business achieved strong growth while meeting rigorous regulatory standards. She also sits on the board of FastCredit Limited, a Central Bank of Nigeria–licensed institution, where she chairs the Audit & Risk Committee and supports the firm’s credit and digital finance strategy.
Alongside her corporate work, Okuzu has been active in education and thought leadership. Until June 2025, she lectured at BPP University in London, teaching Global Strategy & Sustainability and mentoring international students. She is also co-authoring the forthcoming textbook Fintech for Management, underlining her commitment to preparing future leaders for a rapidly evolving financial sector.
Her achievements have attracted notable recognition. In 2022, she was listed among the Top 200 Voices in Leadership to Watch by LeadersHum. A year later, she was celebrated by the Mayor of London as one of the Women Who Make London Great. These accolades highlight her growing influence in both Africa’s financial ecosystem and international debates on diversity, sustainability, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Speaking on her new 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.”
Arunma Oteh, Chair of the Royal African Society, welcomed the appointment. She said: “We are thrilled to welcome Stella Okuzu. 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 expressed gratitude to Andrew Skipper MBE, who is stepping down as Interim Director. His leadership has been credited with strengthening the organisation’s platform and ensuring it is well-prepared for the future.
With Okuzu at the helm, the Royal African Society is seeking to build on its century-long legacy of cultural, political, and economic engagement, continuing to provide a vital link between Africa and the wider world.
