Two CFO summits – one in Uganda and the other in Tanzania – offered powerful engagement opportunities for finance leaders. Executives attended in droves, and gave feedback that indicated their need for and support of the CFO East Africa community.
CFO East Africa hosted two summits in May – one in Kampala, Uganda, and the other in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Both gatherings were strong on content and executive engagement, and the attendees offered high praise for the quality of the events. The overriding message remains clear: executives are hungry for the kind of knowledge sharing and networking opportunities that Executive Communities offers.
The Ugandan summit took place a year after the Uganda chapter launch of CFO East Africa, was held at the Sheraton Kampala, and was hosted by Ugandan media personality and MC Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang. Big names in finance leadership in the lineup included Beiersdorf FD Funlola Pearce, Hariss International FD Eunice Waweru, Stanbic Bank Uganda CFO Ronald Makata, NSSF Uganda CFO Stevens Mwanje, Uganda Breweries FD Josephine Njoroge, Steel & Tube Industries MD Nirav Patel, ICPAR vice -president John Bugunya, and Postbank Uganda CFO Peter Ssenyange.
The Tanzanian summit was held at the Dar es Salaam Serena hotel, and was hosted by Tanzanian media personality and MC Taji Liundi. Finance leaders in the programme included: Vodacom CFO Hilda Bujiku, NMB Bank CFO Juma Kimori, IHS Towers FD Lilian Budandi, and Isaac Lupokela, CFO of Perseus Mining – Nyanzaga Gold Project. CFO Awards judges Leonard Mususa, Tanzania Beverages chairperson, Nelson Rwihula, CEO of Newtan Insurance, and Hanif Jaffer, co-founder of Exim Bank, also made an appearance.
Engagement at the event was enthusiastic and positive, and this was reflected in the feedback that was given to CFO East Africa. These are just some of the accolades that poured in after the two summits:
“Thrilled to have been part of the CFO East Africa Summit, Uganda Chapter. Very insightful panel discussions, knowledge sharing and networking with other top Finance executives. Thank you CFO East Africa forum for bringing us together!”
- Timothy Musiime, CFO at I&M Bank Uganda
“CFO meetings like this are not only funny but heartwarming. Now it was not a party but it felt like a party of ideas. Listening to the ideas, experiences and solutions from these top finance executives made the evening worth it.”
- Peter Ssenyange, CFO at Postbank Uganda
“I thoroughly enjoyed the CFO East Africa Uganda Chapter event on 15 May 2025. The sessions were insightful, the conversations engaging, and the networking invaluable.Many thanks to the organisers for putting together such a well-executed and inspiring event. Proud to be part of this forward-thinking finance community driving change in East Africa!”
- Robinah Siima, CFO, FINCA Uganda
“Thrilled to have been part of the second CFO East Africa summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania! The summit was an incredible opportunity to connect with finance leaders across the region and dive deep into the evolving role of the CFO in today’s dynamic environment. Grateful to KC Rottock Chesaina and the organisers for pulling together such a world-class event. The networking, roundtables, and forward-thinking conversations were simply top-tier. Looking forward to more collaboration, transformation, and leadership in the finance space across Africa!”
- Gabriel Bundala, head, finance and operations, FCS
“It was an honour to serve as a panelist alongside distinguished industry leaders at the CFO East Africa Tanzania Summit this past Thursday. From emerging technologies and regulatory shifts to sustainable finance and leadership in a changing world, the discussions were as impactful as they were forward-thinking. It was a privilege to contribute to the dialogue and learn from the diverse perspectives shared. As we now look ahead to the upcoming CFO Awards; being one of the judges, I am truly looking forward to engaging with the exceptional CFOs who have been nominated.”
- Nelson Rwihula, managing director at UAP Insurance Tanzania
“It was an honor to participate as a panelist at the CFO East Africa Summit, attended by a diverse group of finance leaders shaping the future of our region. Our panel delved into the evolving role of the CFO – not just as a financial custodian but as a strategic driver of innovation and sustainability. I shared thoughts on how CFOs can enable innovation through targeted investment in new ideas, while ensuring alignment with long-term business value.”
- Hilda Bujiku, executive and finance director at Vodacom Tanzania
“What an incredible CFO East Africa summit! The energy and insights shared by CFOs from multiple industries and nations in East Africa were truly inspiring. Excited about the potential for growth and collaboration within the region's finance community.”
- Benson Msangi, head of finance, Letshego Faidika Bank Tanzania
“Grateful to have attended the CFO East Africa annual Tanzania summit yesterday in Dar es Salaam. It was a well-organised and insightful event that brought together finance leaders across the region to share knowledge, experiences, and future-focused perspectives. The discussions around strategy, innovation, global uncertainty and leadership were truly valuable. Looking forward to applying these learnings and continuing the dialogue with fellow finance professionals across the region.”
- Surendra Tadikamalla, CFO, Tanga Pharmaceutical and Plastics
“A key takeaway from the summit: the role of the CFO has significantly transformed. We are no longer just desk-based decision-makers – we are strategic leaders, shaping business direction, building impactful partnerships, navigating uncertainty, embracing customer-centric innovation, and driving measurable, strategic outcomes. Whether working in the corporate or nonprofit sector, our shared goal remains clear: to create meaningful impact. We are Change Makers.”
- Doreen Mangesho, director of finance and administration, PASS Trust
“A successful second CFO Summit took place yesterday in Dar es Salaam bringing together visionary finance leaders and other professionals – highlighting how modern CFOs should lead the charge in fostering innovation and sustainable organisational growth.”
- Edward Memaneki, head of finance, EFTA
“I was excited to attend the second Tanzania Chapter CFO East Africa Summit held at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. The summit was both educational and insightful, offering valuable perspectives on finance and leadership in our region.”
- Seleman Issa, group director of finance and administration, Frostan
“What stood out most was the honesty in the room. Behind every impressive title is a human being still learning, still growing, still showing up. It was a refreshing reminder that the journey isn’t about perfection – it’s about consistency, intention, and impact. This summit refuelled something in me: a deeper commitment to grow, not just as a finance leader, but as a builder, mentor, and steward of purpose across the teams I serve. The journey continues. And I’m grateful to be on it.”
- Samuel Kinyanjui, global finance director, Spouts International
“Thrilled to have been part of the CFO East Africa Summit, Uganda Chapter. Very insightful panel discussions, knowledge sharing and networking with other top finance executives. Thank you CFO East Africa for bringing us together!”
- Robina Siima, CFO, FINCA Uganda
“It is feedback like this that assures us we are on the right path as we forge the CFO community in East Africa,” says KC Rottok Chesaina, CFO East Africa co-founder and community manager. “It is always incredible to have the opportunity to engage with the finest finance leadership that any country has to offer, and affirming to know that this type of engagement is crucial to supporting their careers and business growth. Ugandan and Tanzanian CFOs – thanks for the support, the engagement, and the encouragement.”