Royal African Society Strengthens Leadership with Four New Council Members

The Royal African Society has announced the co-option of four prominent leaders to its Council: Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim, James Benoit, John Butt, and Tammy Brophy. This strategic move aims to enhance the Society’s leadership as it commemorates its 125th anniversary, uniting expertise in finance, sustainability, policy, investment, education, and global development.

Chairperson’s Remarks

Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society, emphasized the significance of this milestone. She noted that the Society’s enduring mission is to deepen the understanding of Africa and amplify African voices on the global stage. The newly appointed leaders exemplify this mission, bringing diverse expertise and a passion for the continent that will strengthen the Society’s role as a bridge between Africa, the United Kingdom, and the wider world.

CEO’s Insights

Stella Okuzu, CEO of the Royal African Society, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. She highlighted that the combined experience of the four leaders in finance, investment, sustainability, and education will significantly enhance the Society’s ability to deliver impactful programs. Their insights and strategic guidance are particularly timely as the organization continues to grow.

Profiles of the Newly Co-opted Council Members

Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim

Ifrah Hassan Ibrahim is the Founder of Protea Advisory Limited, a consultancy based in London that advises African and Emerging Market sovereign clients on debt management and sustainable finance. With over 15 years of experience in global investment banking, she has held senior roles at UBS, Credit Suisse, and Barclays, focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Ibrahim combines technical expertise in international finance with a commitment to Africa’s long-term economic development. Her work primarily supports African sovereign borrowers in accessing global capital markets, providing her with valuable insights into the continent’s economic challenges.

Raised in Switzerland by Somali parents, she offers an international perspective and is fluent in French, English, and Somali. Her experience at the intersection of finance and public policy positions her well to support the Royal African Society’s mission of connecting African expertise with UK institutions.

James Benoit

James Benoit is a Canadian–Mauritian banking executive with over two decades of experience across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. As Managing Director and CEO of FCMB Bank (UK), he transformed the institution into a fully licensed UK-regulated bank, enhancing its role as a bridge between African and UK economies.

Benoit has advised financial institutions and governments on market entry and capital-raising strategies, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive finance. His extensive network includes investors, policymakers, and diaspora entrepreneurs, which will bolster the Royal African Society’s efforts in fostering partnerships between Africa and the UK.

John Butt

John Butt, born in Cameroon, is the General Partner of Conduit Ventures Ltd, a UK-based investment firm. His career has been characterized by a focus on innovation and growth opportunities, particularly in energy transition, water risk, and food security across Africa and select markets in Latin America and Europe.

His background includes policy and investment banking roles at Citigroup Global Markets and Price Waterhouse, where he collaborated with governments and the private sector. Butt’s diverse experiences across various continents inform his approach to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth.

He holds a Biochemistry degree from the University of St Andrews and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Tammy Brophy

Tammy Brophy serves as Associate Director of the Oxford MBA at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. She leads the Africa Initiative, fostering partnerships across academia, government, and industry to enhance engagement with African business ecosystems.

With over a decade of experience at Oxford and a professional background in South Africa, Brophy has successfully expanded African participation in the Oxford MBA program and secured significant scholarship partnerships for African and female students. Her focus on inclusive growth and leadership development aligns with the Royal African Society’s mission to promote knowledge and dialogue between Africa and the UK.

The Royal African Society, established in 1901, is one of the UK’s oldest institutions dedicated to enhancing understanding of Africa and fostering relations between the UK and the continent. Through various initiatives, the Society aims to showcase Africa’s achievements while addressing its challenges.

For further information, visit the Royal African Society.

Media Contacts:
Uchechi Eke
ue3@soas.ac.uk

Tracy N. Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com

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Published on 2026-04-27 21:09:00 • By the Editorial Desk