A Briton of Nigerian descent, NneNne Iwuji-Eme, has been appointed the High Commissioner to Mozambique, making her the first black female to serve as a diplomat representing the UK.

Before her appointment, NneNne Iwuji-Eme spent 16 years in the Foreign Office. She will replace Joanna Kuenssberg as British High Commissioner to the southeast African country in July.

Iwuji-Eme described her appointment as “an honour and a privilege”, adding that she hoped she would inspire others to pursue their ambitions.

“I hope my appointment as the first British black female career diplomat to this position will inspire young talent, regardless of race or background, to pursue their ambitions in the Foreign Office,” she said.

“I look forward to forging even stronger connections between Britain and Mozambique – two close members of the Commonwealth family.”

The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said Iwuji-Eme has “vision, experience and energy” for the appointment.

“As the country heads in a new and exciting direction, it’s important that we have the brightest and the best batting for Britain. Our great diversity is an invaluable asset on the global stage, and it’s only right that at all levels [of] the FCO reflects this,” he said in a Guardian UK report.

“As a continent with some of the world’s fastest growing economies, Africa is an important partner post-Brexit. NneNne has the vision, experience and energy to take our relationship with Mozambique to the next level, and I congratulate her on her appointment.”

Iwuji-Eme previously worked as an economist in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and for Royal Dutch Shell.

Her most recent posting was to Brazil as first secretary prosperity and acting prosperity consul.