When Baylor Foundation Uganda finance director Marie Nassiwa-Martin made the leap from the UK back to her home country, she had to make some tough calls. But through it all, her resilience, rigour and integrity continue to be a beacon for her peers in the profession.

A year after the launch of its Dar es Salaam chapter, CFO East Africa returned to the financial hub of Tanzania with a renewed focus on leadership and resilience. The CFO Summit: Reflections and Aspirations saw finance leaders convene at the Dar es Salaam Serena hotel to share perspectives on the evolving role of CFOs.

In his keynote address at the CFO Summit: Reflections and Aspirations summit, Absa Bank Tanzania CEO Obedi Laiser noted that “the only certainty in the current business environment is uncertainty”.

Ahmed boasts over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, having joined LaFargeHolcim Tanzania in April 2020 as the chief financial officer.

NMB Bank CFO Juma Kimori joins the running for the first-ever CFO Awards for East Africa.

Lilian Budandi, IHS Towers finance director, considers herself a true East African. As a leader, she embodies unapologetic excellence and a clear sense of purpose.

MTN Uganda CFO Andrew Bugembe has nearly two decades of experience in the telecommunications sector in Africa, having led finance functions for MTN in Ghana, Congo and Liberia.

Until her appointment, Angela was the regional CFO of Guaranty Trust Bank.

Jackline Aluda joins the running for the 2025 CFO Awards for East Africa

Guaranty Trust Bank regional CFO Angela Koech is thrilled by the unpredictable. She has come to understand leadership as a journey in service of others and is keen to leave her mark on those she crosses paths with. As she steps into a new realm of leadership, she is excited for what comes next.

Bayport Tanzania CFO Rehema Sanare has been nominated for the 2025 CFO Awards

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently cut its base rate by 75 basis points to 10 percent, aiming to stimulate lending in the private sector.

Rahul was appointed as the CFO of Silverback Tea Company in February 2023.

For Knight Frank Uganda head of finance Asibat Mwambu, it is always about results. The driven executive blends his deep sense of responsibility to his stakeholders with concern for the world outside the business, encouraging his peers to pursue their passion.

Robinah Siima, CFO at FINCA Uganda, has been shortlisted for the first-ever CFO Awards for East Africa.

Until March 2025, Innocent Gatete had served as the head of finance and grants management at Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR).

The Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Monetary Policy Committee has lowered its policy rate from 10.75 percent to 10 percent to stimulate lending in the private sector. But banks have been slow to lower their lending rates following past rate cuts, citing high funding costs and increased credit risk.

The experienced finance executive will compete in the first-ever 'Oscars of Finance', where 10 awards are up for grabs.

When Dorothy Kiprono took over as finance manager at Aerolink Uganda, she did not anticipate that one of her biggest challenges would be dealing with staff departures. She explains how she successfully managed a staff-turnover crisis and created a sound strategy for handling future exits.

In October 2023, Funlola Pearce packed up her apartment into a container in preparation for her move to Kenya. During this busy time, she stopped exercising, caught up in the whirlwind of planning her relocation.