Strategy

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.

The Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Monetary Policy Committee has lowered its policy rate from 10.75 percent to 10 percent to stimulate lending in the private sector. But banks have been slow to lower their lending rates following past rate cuts, citing high funding costs and increased credit risk.

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.

Revenue Assurance (RA) has evolved into a powerful tool for optimising revenue streams and strengthening financial decision-making. Specialist Joseph Nderitu explores how CFOs can harness it to deliver greater value beyond compliance.

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.

Strategy took centre stage at the 2025 CFO East Africa Kick-off Summit, where leading finance executives traded insights on ways to embed agility into corporate planning and leverage their skills to shape the progress of the country.

Jubilee Health Insurance recently launched J-Force, a digital platform designed to streamline policy management, client engagement, and transaction processing with the overall goal of improving the insurer’s efficiency. According to CFO Eugine Mutekhele, the platform aims to transform the way insurance is distributed, accessed and experienced.

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.

Tanzania’s NMB Bank recently partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Mastercard to launch the 'Banking on Women Advisory Project', which aims to enhance its Jasiri Proposition to attract, retain, and grow women-led businesses in Tanzania. Under the Jasiri Proposition, NMB issued the first social bond, whose proceeds have financed more than 3,000 women. CFO East Africa caught up with NMB Bank CFO Juma Kimori, who spoke in detail about how the bank is expanding its initiatives to empower women-led businesses in Tanzania.

Safaricom CFO Dilip Pal delves into the company’s strategies for managing foreign exchange risks, diversifying revenue, balancing major investments, and delivering customer value.

In his remarks at the CFO of the Future summit held in Nairobi in August, MTN Uganda CFO Andrew Bugembe shared insights on risk management amid the increasing adoption and reliance on artificial intelligence (AI).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over the last 14 years in Rwanda, Wafula David Wanjala, CFO for the African operations of ContourGlobal, has been a witness to the country's remarkable evolution in the accounting landscape.

Joseph Nzou Ndisya, who has worked for PwC Kenya for his entire 22-year career, believes it is important to never lose the personal touch with employees no matter how many there are. As part of this approach, he has instituted a Next-Gen council, so younger professionals have a forum to suggest ideas and drive transformation.