Taxi hailing app Uber has announced the appointment of Lola Kassim, a Nigerian-Canadian, as the company's General Manager for West Africa.

In a statement, Uber said Kassim, who studied at Harvard University and London School of Economics, will drive the company's overall strategy for West Africa.

She has been appointed to help improve service levels and general reliability for UberX and create more value-adds for driver partners.

Kassim said she will ensure the region is aligned with Uber's overall objective of creating sustainable, alternative modes of mobility.

"In addition to creating value for driver-partners and riders, I will also be focused on ensuring that we continue to engage with our key stakeholders and relevant partners with a view to continued positive impact across West Africa," Kassim added.

Alon Lits, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Uber, said as a company that is deeply committed to diversity and inclusiveness, Lola is joining the team of other women at Uber who are pushing the envelope towards achieving the global vision of creating value for riders and driver-partners alike.

"In West Africa, Lola will be supported by a highly skilled and enthusiastic team covering operations, marketing, communications, legal and policy," Lits said.

Kassim had previously served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company; as Governance Advisor with the Liberian Presidency through the Africa Governance Initiative. She has also worked with the Canadian government.