Top 10 Women Shaping East Africa’s Banking and Finance Sector

The Angaza Awards: Women to Watch in Banking & Finance program has announced the list of Top 10 women who are steering and shaping the financial services sector.

The list was compiled following a four-month entry period which saw professionals from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda submit applications.

“These women are quietly, behind the scenes, creating an impact for their organizations and in turn shaping the financial sector. They have certainly earned the recognition and we congratulate them for their accomplishments, “I often am asked ‘where are the women,’ when it comes to board appointments. Considering the financial sector employs thousands of women, we recognize that this list is not exhaustive, but it is a start in showcasing the many women who are ready and able to serve,” Nuru Mugambi, Chair, Angaza Awards Judges Panel & Director Public Affairs Kenya Bankers Association.

The list includes:

1. 1. 1. Mary Wamae, Executive Director, Equity Group Holdings PLC (Kenya)
      2. Catherine Karimi, Chief Executive Officer, APA Life Assurance Company (Kenya)
      3. Lina Higiro, Chief Executive Officer, NCBA Bank PLC (Rwanda)
      4. Elizabeth Wasunna Ochwa, Business Banking Director, Absa Bank PLC (Kenya)
      5. Joanita Jaggwe, Country Head of Risk and Compliance, KCB Group PLC (South Sudan)
      6. Millicent Omukaga, Technical Assistance Expert on Inclusive Finance, African Development Bank (Kenya)
      7. Emmanuella Nzahabonimana, Head of Information Technology, KCB Group PLC (Rwanda)
      8. Judith Sidi Odhiambo, Group Head of Corporate Affairs, KCB Group PLC (Kenya)
      9. Rosemary Ngure, ESG & Impact Manager, Catalyst Principal Partners (Kenya)
      10. Pooja Bhatt, Co-Founder, QuantaRisk and QuantaInsure (Kenya)

The Angaza Award criteria included an assessment of the applicants’ area of responsibility and contribution to firm performance. Scores were also awarded for achievement that transcended the institution and resulted in the sector and, or community shared value creation. 

Professionals in Banking, Capital Markets, Insurance, Investment Banking, Fintech, Fund Management, Microfinance, and Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) were invited to submit their applications or nominations via the Kenyan Wallstreet Award Web page.

“The inaugural Angaza Awards is a testament of how important it is to acknowledge the role that women play in the banking and financial services industry. Increasing gender diversity on boards is associated with stronger financial outcomes, stability and a greater focus on transparency and ethics. Regulators, sector businesses and Fintechs need to improve the representation of women in leadership positions. As new market entrants, Fintechs should be encouraged to take a lead in this area, Eric Asuma, the Co-Founder and CEO at Kenyan Wallstreet.

Source: KenyanWallstreet