Kenya

Maneno Mpagama works with a clear head, even when the pressure mounts. He has made a habit of calm thinking and knowing when to stand his ground.

In finance, courage often takes the form of refusing to take the easy route. DPF Uganda FD Dr Michael Lugemwa, HEVA Fund FD Dr Karimi Ngeera and Baylor Foundation Uganda FD Marie Nassiwa Martin speak to CFO East Africa about the decisions that tested their values.

Absa Bank Kenya has joined as a partner for the 2025 CFO Awards for East Africa, the region’s most prestigious celebration of finance leadership.

Behind every milestone in Philip ole Kamwaro’s career lies a quiet faith. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) finance head says his deep personal conviction has carried him through milestones that once felt like detours.

Although some argue that leadership is instinctive, many finance executives learn this skill through trial and error. ZEP-RE CFO Dr Rachael Gitonga, AGL Tanzania FD Sekou Kaba, NSSF Uganda CFO Stevens Mwanje and I&M Bank Tanzania head of finance Veronica Magongo reflect on the experiences that taught them how to lead.

In the last decade alone, the world financial landscape has experienced one of the most significant shifts since double-entry accounting was invented: the emergence of virtual assets. For CFOs, blockchain is not just a tool for timesaving; it is a strategic enabler.

Most CFOs treat risk as something to manage and measure, but for those who go on to build their own companies, it is far more personal. Bag Innovation CFO Akash Ladha, Umoja Coin CFO Bornmathew Nuru, and BasiGo CFO Jonathan Green explain what it means to carry both the financial and emotional weight of running a business.

Solomon Nzomo grew up between the bustle of Eastleigh and the quiet of Sabaki, a contrast that gave him a unique lens on the world. As a CFO, he finds meaning in the stories the numbers tell.

Hillary will lead the fintech’s financial strategy, operational excellence and inclusion agenda across East Africa.

Although finance leaders are often judged by profit margins and cost control, many find that their most meaningful contributions happen beyond the numbers. For ICEA Lion Uganda CFO Philip Ahabwe, Kioo financial controller Dipen Patel and Lake Turkana Wind Power CFO Alice Wathika, the real indicators of success are less about financial performance and more about the human impact of their work.

During the first-ever CFO East Africa Virtual Summit, titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing, a breakout session on strategy brought together more than 50 finance executives. The conversation revealed that CFOs across East Africa are stepping into broader leadership roles.

East Africa’s financial leaders are navigating a world where their roles are no longer confined to the balance sheet. Nearly 200 of the region’s finance leaders gathered for CFO East Africa’s first-ever virtual summit titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing.

Hundreds of leading CFOs from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda gathered online for CFO East Africa’s first Virtual Summit, titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing.

CFO East Africa’s first-ever virtual summit titled CFO Ideas Worth Sharing convened nearly 200 of the region’s finance leaders for a powerful session that tackled topics that remain top-of-mind for CFOs. Over three hours, a series of speakers shared insights that touched on the realities of financial leadership today.

For the last two months, James Nyutu has served as group managing director at Unga Group, having transitioned from the role of group finance and ICT director.

Across East Africa, regulatory changes and funding disruptions are frequent occurrences. Mi Vida Homes CFO Solomon Nzomo, CRDB Bank CFO Frederick Nshekanabo and PSI Uganda CFO Christine Nakayenga explain how they lead their organisations through times of uncertainty without losing their focus.

As younger employees enter the workforce, CFOs are learning to adjust not only their leadership styles but also their expectations. Sika head of finance Msonga Msigala, Frostan group FD Seleman Issa and Geminia Life Insurance head of finance Caxton Makau share how they are approaching a new generation of professionals.

When people think of finance, they often imagine accountants buried in spreadsheets, closing books at the end of each month, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. While these activities remain core, the scope of the finance function has expanded dramatically.

Jubilee Holdings posted a 22 percent rise in net profit for the first half of 2025, supported by strong insurance revenue growth and higher investment income.

The deepest meaning of work often emerges when numbers meet real human lives. Yas Tanzania CFO Innocent Rwetabura, Finca Uganda CFO Robinah Siima, and Hewatele CFO Joan Andia reveal what gives their work a sense of purpose beyond the balance sheet.