What does it mean to lead with impact? For Deloitte Consulting Tanzania finance head Relief Mtenga, aBi Finance Uganda head of finance Sonia Adibaku, L’Oréal East Africa CFO Linda Mfuchi and Ishara Towers Rwanda CFO Lilian Budandi, the answer goes far beyond the balance sheet. Ahead of International Women’s Day, the four finance leaders from across the region reflect on what it truly means to make a difference.

She steps up to the listed tobacco manufacturer’s top finance role as Philemon Kipkemoi departs after nearly two decades at the company.

Mary had butterflies for an entire weekend before saying yes to the regional role. Two or three years before that, she had already been preparing someone else to take her place.

A finance leader’s real test is what happens when they are not in the room. Aerolink Uganda head of finance Dorothy Kiprono, ICEA Lion Life Assurance Uganda CFO Philip Ahabwe, and PowerUp head of finance Eva Zalwango share how they think about building teams that can carry the torch.

Gladys steps in as Chemutai exits after a 25-year career at the bank, having expanded the CFO remit across East Africa and the continent.

She moves to the insurance and asset management conglomerate after six years at the helm of EABL’s finance function.

The bank's finance function gets access to opportunities for professional growth and peer connection.

Tom Macharia believes the best lessons come from pain you choose to learn from. The head of finance at Amadeus East Africa is now building a life away from the place he called home for 26 years.

There comes a moment in every finance executive’s career when the numbers alone cannot reveal what to do. Mi Vida Homes CFO Solomon Nzomo, Pass Trust finance director Doreen Mangesho and fractional CFO Michael Kariuki talk about the decision that tested them most and what it taught them.

She learned her most prized skills beside her father during school holidays long before she knew she was being taught anything at all.

The bank joins a growing community of East African financial institutions investing in the development of their finance functions.

Chris Eyre believes the best CFOs join their teams on the ground to get their boots dirty. The Helium One CFO explains how he has turned his local expertise into a competitive advantage in Tanzania.

NMB Bank has become the latest corporate member of CFO East Africa, giving its senior finance leadership team year-round access to regional finance networks and professional development opportunities.

Finance leaders are watching closely as technological disruption and other changes redefine how organisations operate across the region. Weetabix East Africa CFO Dr Sebastian Nthama, Tropical Bank CFO Aminah Galenda and PharmAccess director of finance Charles Gachuhi reveal the shifts they believe will shape the future of business in East Africa.

He steps up from his role as CFO, bringing over 12 years of financial leadership and strategic expertise to the top position.

For Equity's senior finance team, the membership provides year-round exposure to regional finance leaders and opportunities for career development.

2025 Young CFO of the Year Bilaal Ramjaun was recognised for rrevamping AzamPay’s pricing strategy and restructuring its business model to deliver sustained financial performance. In this interview, he reflects on why leadership at his age has meant holding steady through resistance.

Diana Mwaniki knows what it means to lead when the ground shifts beneath you. As head of finance decision support and finance director at Absa Bank Kenya’s bancassurance arm, she brings calm, agile thinking to times of uncertainty.

He steps into the role after two and a half years as CFO, bringing over 15 years of experience across tax, telecommunications, manufacturing, and mining.

She will take on the role in addition to her current position as CFO, effective March 1, 2026.