By Sharon Tawuya
Harare, (New Ziana)— The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of Gill Lever OBE as its new Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced the appointment on 4 August 2026.
Lever succeeds Peter Vowles, who will take up another diplomatic posting.
She is expected to assume duty in Zimbabwe in September 2026.
In a statement, the UK said it looked forward to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the UK and Zimbabwe.
Bilateral trade has grown in recent years.
The UK is one of Zimbabwe’s key markets in Europe.
Zimbabwe’s exports to the UK include blueberries and other horticulture crops, as well as minerals.
British investment is present in mining, agriculture, financial services and renewable energy.
Connectivity between the two countries also received a boost with the relaunch of the Air Zimbabwe direct flight to London Gatwick international airport.
The route is expected to improve market access for Zimbabwean fresh produce and to support tourism and business travel.
The UK continues to fund development programmes in health, education, agriculture and climate resilience, while both countries are exploring deeper cooperation on governance and Zimbabwe’s possible return to the Commonwealth.
Lever is a career diplomat who joined the FCDO, then FCO, in 1989.
She currently serves as Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Nigeria.
Her previous postings include Deputy Head of Mission in Juba, South Sudan from 2022 to 2023, and First Secretary in Tokyo from 2001 to 2006.
In London she has served as Head of Overseas Health and Welfare and Deputy Head of the South-East Asia Department.
New Ziana
