Leadership

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.

Sage regional VP for medium business Gerhard Hartman explains why East Africa’s finance leaders must become tech-savvy advisers who guide both compliance and transformation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In July 2025, East African CFOs gathered in Nairobi for the CFO East Africa ESG Summit, which drew over 160 CFOs from across four East African countries. As the speakers made their presentations and CFOs shared their experiences in the break-out sessions, it was clear that ESG is no longer just a buzzword but a reality in the daily lives of many CFOs.

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.

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.

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.

Beiersdorf finance director Funlola Pearce draws on a foundation in electrical engineering. She shares some insights on how non-linear careers can be a powerful force for innovation in finance.

Each CFO East Africa summit presents perspectives that either affirm or challenge the status-quo that defines the CFO’s role. The CFO Kick-off Summit held on 6 March in Nairobi offered insights around CFOs as a beacon of hope. The pertinent question that follows is: can a CFO give hope without earning stakeholders’ trust and confidence, and how can this trust be earned?

For years, the role of the chief financial officer (CFO) was defined by discipline, precision, and stewardship. Ensuring financial compliance, managing risk and preserving shareholder value were the defining pillars. But a quiet revolution is taking place.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently cut its base rate by 75 basis points to 10 percent, aiming to stimulate lending in the private sector.

After four years of losses, Sanlam Kenya has finally turned the tide, reporting a historic Ksh 1 billion profit. Head of finance Fredrick Njoroge explains how the company overcame challenges to achieve sustained growth.

In the past, CFOs were seen as financial gatekeepers who managed an organisation’s costs and risks. Today, finance leaders are expected to drive strategy, innovation, and growth. American Tower Company CEO George Odenyo, MAT Abacus Business School principal Professor Samuel Sejjaaka, and Strathmore University senior lecturer Professor James McFie weigh in on how finance executives can drive value and shape the future of their companies.

Traditionally, CFOs have relied on historical data and forecasting methods in creating strategy. But as panelists at the CFO Kick-off summit noted, changes in consumer habits and the global economy have placed heavier demands on finance executives.

As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, finance leaders pause to reflect on the strides women have made in the profession. Ahead of the day, Lake Turkana Wind Power CFO Alice Wathika, Liquid Intelligent Technologies CFO Shime Baligira, and FINCA Uganda CFO Robinah Siima share their perspectives on how far the sector has come and what remains to be done.

Culture is the silent force behind any successful organisation. While the CFO role is often assumed to have little to do with influencing organisational culture, finance leaders are at the core of shaping a company's culture, writes Jackline Aluda, CFO of Cold Solutions.