Stella Okuzu has been appointed Director of the Royal African Society. This UK-based, non-profit membership organization fosters a better understanding of Africa in terms of business, politics, culture, and academia.
She replaces Andrew Skipper, who served as the organization’s Interim Director for eight months.
Stella Okuzu
Stella Okuzu’s career has more than three decades of experience in financial services and business consulting. She has become a trusted advisor, strategist, and mentor whose influence extends across industries and continents. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), an honor recognizing her innovative contributions to business and social progress.
As the founder of EDD Consulting Limited in London, she has carved out a niche helping businesses unlock opportunities across the UK-Africa corridor. Her firm specializes in market entry strategies and financial intermediation, guiding organizations through the complexities of new markets while fostering cross-border partnerships that stimulate growth.
She was the first Head of Personal and Business Banking at FCMB Bank (UK), where she introduced tailored financial solutions to meet diverse customer needs. She is Chair of the Board Audit, IT, and Risk Committee at Fast Credit Limited.
Stella Okuzu previously taught management at BPP University in London, blending practical insight with academic rigor. At Cranfield University, she is enrolled in a doctoral program focused on how digitalization can transform access to finance for African female entrepreneurs.
In 2023, she was named one of the “Women Who Make London Great” by the Mayor of London’s office, a recognition that celebrates her impact on the city’s economic and social fabric.
She continues to shape business landscapes through consulting, teaching, research, and advocacy while championing inclusive growth and empowerment. Her recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and as one of London’s influential women underscores her achievements and her unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change for communities across the globe.
Royal African Society
The Royal African Society (RAS) is a UK-based membership organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Africa and strengthening relations between the continent and the rest of the world.
Founded in 1901, it has evolved into a leading platform for dialogue, policy engagement, and cultural exchange. The Society provides a space for business leaders, policymakers, academics, and the wider public to engage with African issues, from politics and economics to arts and culture.
The RAS amplifies African voices and perspectives on global stages through conferences, lectures, publications, and its flagship annual event, Africa Writes. With a mission to foster connections and challenge misconceptions, the Society plays a vital role in shaping conversations about Africa’s future and its place in the world.