Anna Westerholm
Anna Westerholm | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sweden |
| Education | Uppsala University |
| Organization | Embassy of Sweden, Abuja |
| Title | Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria |
| Predecessor | Annika Hahn-Englund |
| Website | www |
Anna Westerholm is a Swedish diplomat who has served as the ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria since 2025.[1] She is also the Ambassador-designate to Ghana and Cameroon.[2][3] She has served in various regions, including Eastern Europe, and Caucasus.[4]
Education
Anna Westerholm completed both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Uppsala University in Sweden. There, she obtained a bachelor's degree in social science and Russian studies and a master's degree in social science, development studies and Eastern European affairs. She also studied in Russia in 1992, where she obtained a diploma in the Russian language.
Career
As a career diplomat, Westerholm served as Sweden's Ambassador for the Eastern Partnership from 2016 to 2022. Before then, she held the position of Director and Deputy Head of the Department for Multilateral Development Cooperation at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA). She has also worked as an analyst for the Swedish Armed Forces focusing on the Caucasus and Central Asia, and has held several positions with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Estonia, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova.[4]
Her experience is not limited to diplomacy, as she has also served on boards.[4] Since assuming her role as Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, she has called for stronger Nordic–Nigerian partnerships that could foster a long-term ecosystem for innovation and digital transformation.[5]
In January 2026, Westerholm led a delegation visiting the Nigeria recording label Chocolate City.[6][7] In February 2026, she visited the University of Nigeria,[8] when she led a Nordic delegation to the Enugu Tech Festival[9] alongside the Consul-General of Denmark.[10][11]
Ambassador Westerholm, in line with Swedish values, describes gender equality as a "cornerstone of democracy", saying that violence against women and girls "often silences their voices and undermines democratic values".[12][13]
See also
References
- ↑ "After a meeting between Ambassador Dr. Elias-Fatile, CDAai/Head of Mission and the new Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Anna Westerholm, ahead of her departure to resume in Abuja, Nigeria. – Embassy of Nigeria Sweden". 13 August 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Embassy staff". Embassy of Sweden, Abuja. Sweden's embassies and consulates. Government of Sweden. 8 December 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ny ambassadör i Nigeria" [New ambassador to Nigeria]. Regeringskansliet (in Swedish). Government of Sweden. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
Regeringen har utsett Anna Westerholm till ambassadör i Abuja.
[The government has appointed Anna Westerholm as ambassador to Abuja] - 1 2 3 "Anna Westerholm". Institute for Security and Development Policy. 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Nigeria, News Agency of (2 March 2026). "Envoy seeks Nigeria-Sweden partnership to drive innovation, digital transformation". Peoples Gazette. Abuja, Nigeria. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Nwafor, Arinze (22 January 2026). "Sweden, Chocolate City deepen creative ties". The Punch. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Oyeniran, Apata (19 January 2026). "Chocolate City Group Hosts Swedish Ambassador, Explores Creative, Digital Collaboration Opportunities". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Ikem, Felix (28 February 2026). "UNN, Sweden strengthen collaboration". The Sun. Nsukka. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Home - Enugu Tech Festival 2026". 15 January 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Mrs Anna Westerholm Archives". Daily Times. Lagos, Nigeria. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Magazine, Time Africa (20 February 2026). "Enugu Tech Festival 2026: From Coal to Code, Nigeria's Digital Future". Time Africa Magazine. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Foundation urges action to strengthen women's role in democracy". News Agency of Nigeria. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Goodluck Jonathan's foundation wants women's role in democracy strengthened". Peoples Gazette. News Agency of Nigeria. 13 March 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
described gender equality as a cornerstone of democracy. ... violence against women and girls often silences their voices and undermines democratic values.
| Diplomatic posts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria 2025–present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by | Ambassador of Sweden to Ghana 2025–present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by | Ambassador of Sweden to Cameroon 2025–present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |