Manish Ranjan has built his career on navigating complex markets while strengthening compliance and developing people. As he steps into a group-level role at Mabati Rolling Mills, the outgoing ALAF Tanzania CFO reflects on the challenges and resilience that have defined his career in East Africa.

Most companies keep their attention on familiar threats such as regulatory changes or the pressures of competition. But the real dangers often emerge from weaknesses that remain unaddressed. Jubilee Insurance Tanzania CFO Nickson Motta, Rwanda Fertiliser Company CFO Patrick Marara, and Bank of Kigali group head of finance Ntiranyibagirwa Ange reveal the blind spots that can threaten even the strongest organisations.

MTN Uganda recently announced strong half-year results with data revenue up 31 percent and fintech up 19 percent, despite a one-off tax settlement that reduced profit after tax by 9.7 percent.

Until his appointment, he had served as the head of finance at ALAF Tanzania since August 2021.

Bag Innovation CFO Akash Ladha left behind a career in India to carve out his own path in Rwanda. He blends an understanding of systems with a mindful approach that helps his team make better decisions.

KCB Group has announced a record interim and special dividend totalling Ksh 4 per share. Group finance director Lawrence Kimathi is keeping customers at the centre of every decision as the bank works to meet ambitious targets in the second half.

Parfait will steer BRD’s financial strategy as the bank fulfils its mandate of financing Rwanda’s development priorities.

Rishi Ahluwalia is the country director for GardaWorld Security’s Kenya operations, overseeing more than 8,000 professionals delivering integrated security services. In this interview with CFO East Africa, he reflects on guiding the rebrand of KK Security to GardaWorld Security Africa and steering the company through complex regional challenges.

Absa Kenya announced its half-year 2025 results, reporting a nine percent rise in profit after tax to KSh 11.7 billion despite a drop in revenue. CFO Yusuf Omari highlighted how strategic repositioning is preparing the bank for a rebound in lending.

Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company (TMRC) CFO Joseph Mrawa has been chasing impact since he first started in finance. He sees leadership as a calling to invest in the growth of others and work for the common good.

Stanbic Bank posted a Ksh 6.5 billion profit after tax for the first half of 2025, a nine percent year-on-year decline amid lower interest income and low FX activity. Chief finance and value officer Dennis Musau aims to lift performance in the second half by increasing lending volumes and using recent investments to generate higher returns.

Dolly Sagwe Onyoni’s work as finance director at Oracle is matched only by her deep commitment to mentoring the next generation. She explains how she is creating programmes that equip young people and professionals with the skills to lead themselves and others.

Absa Bank Kenya released its 2024 sustainability and climate report, combining climate and sustainability disclosures into a single framework ahead of regulatory timelines. Finance director Yusuf Omari explained that the move positions ESG metrics alongside financial data to guide capital allocation and risk management.

Across many organisations, the chief financial officer is still viewed through a narrow lens. Jubilee Insurance Tanzania CFO Nickson Motta and Tres Rwanda CFO Gordon Mugabi dispel common misconceptions about the role and explore how it has changed.

Paul Mungai’s career has taken him across borders and through crises. The Jubilee Insurance group head of finance reflects on the early losses that shaped his sense of responsibility and the decisions that continue to define his leadership.

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme introduced a reduced corporate tax rate of 15 percent for real estate developers who complete and hand over at least 100 residential units annually. While this incentive aims to boost investor returns and scale up housing supply, Mi Vida Homes CFO Solomon Nzomo argues that policy unpredictability and bureaucratic hurdles have limited its effectiveness.

EABL has announced a Ksh12.2 billion full-year profit after tax, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Group CFO Risper Genga Ohaga speaks to CFO East Africa about the strategies at play.

At least once in a lifetime, leaders encounter lessons that shift how they lead. PostBank Uganda CFO Peter Ssenyange, Vodacom Tanzania FD Hilda Bujiku, and Silverback Tea CFO Rahul Bedi reflect on the moments that forced them to rethink what it means to be a leader.

Stephen has over 20 years of experience in financial management, regulatory reporting, and strategic leadership across banking and professional services across more than 10 African countries.

Relief Mtenga believes empathy is a necessity for every good leader. At Deloitte Consulting Tanzania, she leads her team with an intuitive understanding of what responsible finance truly means.