Rwanda

Even for accomplished finance leaders, the desire to explore new disciplines never fades. For PowerUp head of finance Eva Zalwango, CRDB Bank CFO Frederick Nshekanabo, and IHS Towers FD Lilian Budandi, the skills they long to learn reflect personal interests they have carried quietly for years.

Bank of Kigali CFO Anita Umuhire has been nominated for the 2025 CFO Awards

The Rwandese national joins a growing list of leading finance executives who will compete in the inaugural ‘Oscars of Finance'.

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.

Christine also serves as the vice president of partnerships at Kepler.

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.

Until her appointment, Angela was the regional CFO of Guaranty Trust Bank.

Rahul was appointed as the CFO of Silverback Tea Company in February 2023.

Until March 2025, Innocent Gatete had served as the head of finance and grants management at Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR).

Shime Baligira has joined the list of finance leaders who will be competing in the 2025 ‘Oscars of Finance’.

Josephine Mbabazi has been appointed as head of corporate services at Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Rwanda. Until March 2025, she had served as the director of finance at Real Contractors.

Over 70 CFOs from across East Africa came together at Kigali Marriott in Rwanda for the much-anticipated launch of the CFO East Africa Rwanda Chapter.

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.

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.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way business is done across the world, and finance is no exception. Kisima Farm CFO Francis Ngumbi, Liquid Intelligent Technologies CFO Shime Baligira, and Deposit Protection Fund Uganda finance director Dr Michael Lugemwa share their thoughts on the risks and benefits of generative AI.

In the current economic landscape, where geopolitical and macroeconomic environments are constantly changing, the role of the CFO has become increasingly dynamic. ICPAR director of strategy Julian Ingabire, ICPAR vice president John Bugunya, and Exim Bank Tanzania founder Hanif Jaffer, who form part of the 2025 CFO Awards judges’ panel, offer their perspectives on the most pressing issues facing CFOs today.

ICPAR vice president John Bugunya elaborates on how CFOs are redefining leadership today. The former CIMERWA Plc executive director reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of finance, encouraging executives to step out of the box.

Mark Nkurunziza has been appointed the vice president of finance and operations at African School of Governance (ASG). He joins the recently-launched graduate institution after five years as the chief financial officer of MTN Rwanda.

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.

Global Institute of Governance & Sustainability (GIGS) CEO Mkombozi Karake considers himself more African than Rwandan, with a career that spans several sectors and includes a stint at the World Bank.