Interviews

In an ever-changing business landscape, CFOs play a key role in shaping a company’s future. EY Uganda managing partner Geoffrey Byamugisha therefore sees the firm’s decision to support the CFO community in East Africa as a commitment to shaping resilient economies.

If Dr Rachael Gitonga were not the CFO of ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), she would run a cafe with a bookshop inside it. She would spend her days running and working out at the gym in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and taking walks in the evening. That is how much she loves working out.

The first-time CFO considers himself a uniquely skilled finance professional who plays by the book but isn’t confined by it. He terms his recent appointment a “dream come true” and sees it as an opportunity to offer mentorship to rising finance professionals.

For months after Dr Karimi Ngeera witnessed the scale up of Hewa Tele, a social enterprise under the Centre for Public Health and Development (CPHD) in Kenya, she felt stuck. The expansion would have seen her return to commercial finance, which she had left behind two years earlier.

Philip ole Kamwaro considers his life a testament to the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child". He charts his storied journey from “a simple Maasai boy from a village in Narok” to director of corporate services at KMPDC.

A surprising thing about Winnie Waweru, FD at Mastercard Foundation , is her passion for cars, especially Mercedes-Benz. She’s even visited the Daimler-Benz factory in Germany to witness car manufacturing firsthand. Her friends are often amazed at how she can easily explain mechanical problems.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho was a life-changing book for Ronald Businge, CFO at American Tower Uganda. Its themes of pursuing one’s dreams and the importance of the journey resonated deeply with him, inspiring him to take bold steps in his career and personal life on the road to success.

Robert Muhia’s career trajectory is marked by significant roles in prominent financial institutions. Currently serving as the Group CFO at Zamara Group, he has been instrumental in directing financial operations and strategy across multiple countries.

As the chief finance officer (CFO) of CIB Kenya since January 2021, Hesham Abdelhay has transformed the bank’s financial landscape. With a robust background in finance and strategic planning, Hesham’s journey from Cairo to Nairobi is marked by significant achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Mary Maina, the sub-Saharan Africa regional CFO of Ipsos, has had a remarkable career in finance and accounting, but it has not come without its share of challenging moments.

Losing her mother at the start of her career was one of the lowest moments for Catherine Ogol, CFO of Rea Vipingo Plantations, the largest sisal producer in Africa.

As CFO of Tanzania’s number one bank by profit, Juma Kimori employs an open door policy. The idea that any member of staff can knock on his door and seek an audience with him has been something he has found motivates charges in every company he has worked for. Having patience has also propelled his career; remaining calm in the knowledge that everything happens for a reason. Looking at his journey, he has found there are times he has had to wait for things to happen rather than rushing.

Among the memorable highlights of group CFO of Bobmil Group Kenya Juzer Adamjee's long career was his promotion, in 2014, from divisional CFO to group CFO. The role involved managing the finance function of an organisation in Qatar, with over 20 diverse business units operating in the Middle East and Europe. At the time, the company’s annual revenue was in excess of US$2.4 billion.

Veronica Magongo, head of finance at I&M Bank Tanzania, has experienced different organisational cultures during her rich career. She believes in aligning personal values with the culture of the organisation.

Orge Godana, the group CFO at Java House Africa, is greatly inspired by Indra Nooyi. She considers Indra’s book My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future, a must-read for every professional, women in particular.

Zainab, the incoming country senior partner effective 1 July 2024, currently serves as the country operations partner, overseeing the firm's financial affairs and spearheading the Learning and Methodology Practice. She spoke to CFO East Africa about the firm's role in assisting CFOs meet their objectives and their support of the community as principal partner.

Joseph Sheffu, managing partner at EY Tanzania, details his leadership perspectives, his support of the CFO community and his perception of the business landscape in Tanzania.

Prior to joining Inyange Industries, FD Paul Tuyizere audited a number of manufacturing companies, which gave him insight into the sector and taught him how to handle high pressure situations.

Edward Kerich is a partner at PwC in Kenya with responsibility for Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory. He took time to speak to CFO East Africa about the ESG landscape in the region, including the challenges and opportunities of sustainable practices and reporting.

In 2022, Rayson Foya and his colleagues took up the challenge to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. During the process, it evoked memories of his time growing up in the area and how he worked as a porter for tourists who would pay him $40 to carry their luggage up the mountain.