Interviews

Aerolink Uganda head of finance Dorothy Kiprono’s journey exemplifies the power of adaptability. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she is embracing every twist in her career with curiosity, while redefining what leadership looks like.

As a child, Ampersand head of finance Collins Otieno had pictured himself as an engineer, a far cry from his present role. But time and experience have imbued him with a passion for social impact and the uncanny ability to bloom wherever he is planted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr Michael Lugemwa, who is the finance and operations director at Deposit Protection Fund (DPF) Uganda, does not seek the spotlight. But his steady resolve and leadership have made a clear impact at the fund.

Dorothy ‘Dolly’ Sagwe, Oracle Africa’s finance director, has come to be known as the ‘start up finance manager’, helping three Fortune 500 companies establish a presence and operations in Kenya over the past 25 years. But her personal story reveals a search for meaning beyond the trappings of corporate life.

In December 1995, while most of the world revelled in the festive season, Ashif Kassam had his head buried in every piece of literature he could find about general insurance. The firm where he worked as an audit manager, Samvir & Co, had received an opportunity to audit an insurance company, the first one in their portfolio, and Ashif accepted the challenge to lead this engagement.

In Kenya's dynamic landscape of asset financing, Watu Credit has emerged as a key player. At the helm of its financial strategy is Steve Onyango, head of finance, whose leadership is helping drive the adoption of e-mobility in the region.

Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) finance head Innocent Gatete’s career path is anything but conventional. Today, he is keen to channel his expertise towards changing lives and leaving a legacy of positive transformation.

Lake Turkana Wind Power CFO Alice Wathika has broken barriers as the first female finance leader in one organisation after another. In a conversation with CFO East Africa, she reveals how her passion for delivering impact at the community level has defined her trailblazing journey.

Innocent Rwetabura finds joy in fostering success. For him, a fruitful career is about more than just making profit. He hopes to leave a lasting impact on his mentees and help them achieve their goals.

In another life, Kioo financial controller Dipen Patel might have played cricket for the Tanzanian national team. Despite his skill as a bowler, he decided to hang up his boots to pursue a different line of work.

BasiGo CFO Jonathan Green is a man on a mission to transform Nairobi’s transport system. He explains how his desire to use finance and technology to drive social impact led him to create a start-up with an ambitious vision for e-mobility in Africa.

Jubilee Health Insurance CFO Eugine Mutekhele has navigated an intriguing journey, changing careers with relative ease. He chronicles his path from humble beginnings in tech to the C-suite of one of the region's largest insurers.

From managing a leading telecoms finance department in Afghanistan to developing a financial turnaround strategy for MTN Rwanda, Dunstan Stober’s journey is a story of resilience, growth, and empowering those he leads.

Fifteen years ago, AAR Insurance Group CFO Hosea Kiprop won the US Green Card lottery. He went through all the stages of applying for permanent residency, but at the last minute, he changed his mind.

RSwitch CFO Godfrey Nduwayezu’s career began with a last-minute decision to study accounting in high school. This change of heart led him to a leadership role at a fintech company that is keen to fully transform Rwanda into a cashless economy.

For dfcu Bank CFO and executive director Kate Kabaingi Kiiza, success isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about the people. She offers a glimpse into the qualities and experiences that have made her one of the region's celebrated finance leaders.