Photo Gallery: 16 July 2026, CFO East Africa Sustainability Summit, Villa Rosa Kempinski

When we discuss financial excellence on a pan-African scale, the spotlight often lands on massive conglomerates. Yet, true financial agility is forged in the trenches of the SME sector, where strategy meets execution in real-time.

Stephen has learnt to see the people and strategy behind every figure. He has come to see the role as one of understanding what the numbers mean and what they make possible.

CFO and executive coach Jay Atara outlines the vital transition from a numbers-focused finance director to an influential strategic partner. Drawing on deep industry experience and the rise of AI, he delivers a roadmap for finance leaders ready to step off their technical island and lead with commercial foresight.

The payment operations entrepreneur speaks about the glass ceiling she refused to stay under and why Africa needs imaginative solutions built by Africans.