The CFO of MTN, Uganda’s leading telecommunications service provider, Andrew Bugembe is set to deliver a speech at the CFO East Africa CFO of the Future Summit to be held in Nairobi on the evening of 15 August 2024.
Andrew is the current featured cover profile of CFO East Africa magazine. Drawing on lessons learnt within various finance teams of MTN across the African continent, he will speak on the role of the CFO which has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades.
“It is an absolute honour to be invited to speak at the CFO of the Future Summit in Nairobi,” Andrew says. “I was quite disappointed not to attend the previous summit due to unavoidable circumstances that arose on the day of travel. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to finally connect with my peers at a regional forum. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions about the evolving role of CFOs and how we can shape the future of finance together.”
Andrew has built an impressive track record across various senior roles in the telecommunications industry. Apart from holding the role of CFO of MTN Uganda, he is also a board member at MTN South Sudan.
As CFO, he has been instrumental in driving the company's financial strategy, overseeing key initiatives such as Initial Public Offerings (IPO), mergers and acquisitions and capital allocation. His efforts have significantly contributed to the company’s growth and resilience in a highly competitive market.
Prior to his tenure at MTN Uganda, Andrew’s journey saw him play a pivotal role at MTN Congo as CFO and board member from 2016 to 2020. His strategic vision and commitment to enhancing shareholder value were evident as he led the finance team with a focus on operational efficiency and sustainable risk management. His leadership extended beyond financial oversight, as he was also responsible for nurturing a high-performing finance team that adhered to robust governance standards.
Andrew’s earlier experiences include his role as CFO at Lonestar Cell/MTN Liberia, where he was responsible for aligning the company’s financial and operational strategies with its broader goals. His ability to deliver on strategic objectives and strengthen financial controls was vital in ensuring the company’s stability during his tenure.
One of the highlights of Andrew’s career was during his time at MTN Ghana. As general manager of financial operations, he led the team that secured a landmark US$300 million syndicated loan facility in 2012, the largest of its kind in Ghana at that time. This project not only showcased his expertise in financial negotiations but also earned international recognition, winning the best telecoms deal in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
In addition to his professional achievements, Andrew has pursued continuous learning and development, earning a M.Com in management accounting from the University of Wollongong and completing executive education programmes at Harvard Business School.