UK appoints new trade director for W/Africa

The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced the appointment of Kate Rudd as the new West Africa Trade Director. She would be spearheading bilateral trade activity in the region.

In a press statement made available to NEWSVERGE by the British High Commission, Kate would be based in Lagos, covering UK-Africa trade in the coastal countries from Senegal to Gabon; while becoming acquainted with the culture and business of Nigeria and the wider region.

After beginning her career in the private sector at KPMG, Kate has served in Her Majesty’s Government for over 14 years and comes to Lagos directly from Khartoum where she was Deputy Ambassador.

Prior to that, Kate was HM Consul General in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was head of the British trade team in Baghdad, Iraq. While at KPMG in London, Kate specialised in the telecom industry and completed a Masters in International Business.  She has also worked and studied in Japan and Hong Kong.

On her arrival, Kate said “I’m delighted to have arrived in vibrant Lagos to increase bilateral trade and investment in Nigeria and the coastal countries from Senegal to Gabon.  Until last month I was Deputy Ambassador in Khartoum, Sudan and have worked and travelled in Africa.  West Africa is new to me, so I very much look forward to exploring this fascinating part of the continent alongside forging new business relationships and growing bilateral trade”

The Department for International Trade is responsible for promoting Britain’s exports abroad, attract inward investment, formulate trade policy and protect the UKs closest trading relationships.