2024 Profiles
The 2024 Awardees will be celebrated during the Angaza Forum to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on October 16 - 18.
Josephine Anan-Ankomah
Regional Executive – Central, Eastern & Southern Africa
Ecobank Group
Ghanaian national Josephine Anan-Ankomah is the Regional Executive for Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa (CESA) and Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya. With 32 years of experience at Ecobank, she oversees operations across 18 countries, managing 26 percent of the bank's balance sheet. Under her leadership, the Commercial Banking Business achieved remarkable growth, witnessing over 30 percent revenue growth, a 60 percent increase in total deposits, and a doubling of customer numbers. Josephine's strategic oversight as the Regional Executive has been instrumental in driving financial performance, with the region emerging as the second-largest revenue contributor to the Group.
She led the team that created and launched Ecobank's gender financing initiative, Ellevate by Ecobank, in November 2020. Ellevate has cumulatively impacted over 70,000 women-owned businesses. Through collaborations with organizations like AUDA-NEPAD, Google My Business, and LinkedIn, she has delivered capacity-building programs to thousands of SMEs across Africa, fostering economic growth and development. Her collaborative efforts have also extended to promoting financial inclusion among young people through initiatives like the Fingo App, which onboarded over 110,000 users.
Josephine's transformative initiatives have received global recognition, including the Outstanding Crisis Finance Innovations at the 2021 Global Finance – Innovators awards, The Impact Award at the 2021 Financial Alliance for Women award, the Best New Product Launch of the Year at the 2021 Middle East & Africa Retail Banking Innovation Awards, and Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs by Euromoney. Furthermore, her foundation, SheBlossoms, provides critical support to needy Junior High School students in Ghana, offering financial assistance, mentorship, and career guidance to promote education and empower young women.
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Reena Moonoosamy
Group Chief Services Officer
National Insurance Co. Ltd.
Reena Moonoosamy serves as Group Chief Services Officer at National Insurance Co. (NIC) Ltd. in Mauritius. Her strategic acumen and operational expertise have been instrumental in navigating complex transformations, including the nationalization of the company in 2015, resulting in commendable outcomes such as a 97 percent customer portfolio retention rate, significant cost reductions through successful restructuring initiatives, and a 16 percent optimization in operating costs. In addition, she contributed to the acquisition of one of the largest pension portfolios, handling negotiations and coordinating technical inputs from various teams to facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring the agreement of the incumbents and their successful onboarding. This project, spanning over six months, led to a major growth of 173 percent in gross revenue and a commendable industry ranking in 2023, including one of the Top 100 Companies of Mauritius, third in asset growth, and the third-largest insurance group in Mauritius.
An active supporter of industry development, Reena was elected Vice President of Long-Term Insurance of the Insurers Association of Mauritius for two years (2021 to 2023), during a difficult period for long-term insurers given the precarious post-pandemic economic conditions which included high levels of unemployment. Moreover, she led industry negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to advocate for tax relief on personal pension policies. With the support of key stakeholders, these negotiations led to successful outcomes with the introduction of tax relief incentives for pension policyholders.
On the personal front, she actively promotes financial inclusion through the writing and publication of opinion papers under four main themes, namely Internal Governance, Value-Based Governance, Board and Strategy, Policy Making, and Regulations, which have been published in academic journals. Presently, she is authoring a book that focuses on life coaching insights in a bid to help build resilience among professionals. Furthermore, she has championed the promotion of at least two dozen women beyond their entry-level roles, with as many as half of them attaining management positions under her guidance. As a volunteer mentor on the Steps Ahead Mentoring platform of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Reena supports youngsters, women returning to the workforce after childbirth or parenting, and individuals seeking to reestablish their careers after job loss.
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Clementine Chinyuku
Head-Reassurance
Emeritus Reinsurance
Clementine Chinyuku, as Head of Reassurance at Emeritus Reinsurance in Zimbabwe, plays a pivotal role in overseeing reinsurance operations, marketing, and claims processing. Her strategic leadership has led to a remarkable increase in the company's gross written premiums, with her initiatives accounting for 20 percent of the total income. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Clementine effectively managed claims, maintaining control within a benchmark of 55 percent and achieving a notable improvement to 28 percent in 2023. Under her guidance, the company's market share remained stable at around 50 percent, earning recognition as Top Reassurer in 2023. Clementine's outstanding achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including being awarded 1st runner-up for Best Reinsurer at the 2021 Insurance Awards by the Zimbabwe Independent. Moreover, her leadership was instrumental in the successful transition and rebranding of the company from Baobab Reinsurance to Emeritus Reinsurance.
Clementine actively contributes to professional growth within the industry. She has served as an examiner with the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe for the Reinsurance module since 2018 and for the Legal Principles of Insurance module since 2023, playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of insurance professionals. Clementine also tutors students pursuing their certificate of proficiency in the Life and Health modules, maintaining a consistent pass rate of 75 percent and extending her expertise beyond borders by tutoring students from Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Her commitment to education is further evident in her provision of market training for various topics under the IIZ and Emeritus Reinsurance, where she has trained more than 2,000 life sales agents in Malawi and Zambia, and 100-plus claims underwriters in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Through her dedication to mentoring and training, Clementine plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and promoting a culture of continuous learning within the sector.
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Nonceba Patsika
Managing Director
Zibuko Capital
Nonceba Patsika is the Managing Director of Zibuko Capital, a microfinance institution (MFI) in Zimbabwe. Nonceba joined Zibuko Capital in 2017 as a senior loan officer and rose through the ranks to become operations manager, eventually attaining the position of managing director in November 2020. Her visionary leadership has not only driven remarkable financial growth but also ensured resilience during challenging times. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Nonceba spearheaded a robust digital transformation strategy, introducing innovative platforms like the Zibuko Mobile App and WhatsApp Chatbot. These initiatives not only facilitated seamless service delivery during lockdowns but also led to a significant reduction in operational costs, contributing to a consistent 15 percent cost reduction annually since 2021.
Through her strategic implementation of digital technologies and streamlining of internal processes, Nonceba successfully increased revenue by 25 percent from existing clients and increased market share by 35 percent within the targeted demographic, solidifying Zibuko's position as a leader in financial inclusion and innovation. By minimizing default rates and implementing prudent lending practices, she drove risk mitigation strategies while maintaining a good Operating Self Sufficiency ratio of over 100 percent. Moreover, she led the utilization of social media channels like Facebook to promote financial literacy. This approach expanded the firm’s client base by over 12,000 new clients. This led Zibuko to be recognized as the Most Digitalized Microfinance Institution in Zimbabwe for both 2021 and 2022 from the Zimbabwe Association of Microfinance Institutions during a time when dozens of MFIs were shuttering down due to the post-pandemic economic environment. The firm has also won the Most Environmentally Friendly MFI, Most Youth-Friendly MFI, and Most Women-Friendly MFI awards. Following these organizational accolades, she received the Young Director of the Year award from the Institute of Directors of Zimbabwe.
As one of the youngest financial sector managing directors in the country, Nonceba is passionate about equipping women and young girls with crucial financial knowledge and relevant financial products. In response to her initiative, Zibuko Capital introduced a gender-inclusive financial product named "Kura" (to grow). This product offers flexible terms tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of women across society. Recognizing the environmental challenges faced by women in rural areas, the firm collaborated with Orange Solar Systems and MPI Energy to provide affordable loan packages for solar systems and liquid petroleum gas to over 120 households in Chivhu.
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Manisha Dookhony
Chairperson and Director Mindex Group Mauritius and African Legal Support Facility (African Development Bank)
Manisha Dookhony is the Chairperson and Director of Mindex Group in Mauritius and Chairperson of the African Legal Support Facility, an international organization hosted by the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Under her leadership at Mindex, the company has achieved significant milestones, obtaining four licenses in 2023, covering the capital markets, payments, and custody services. These licenses have positioned Mindex as the only fully licensed virtual exchange in the region. Manisha spearheads strategic expansion efforts in Africa and Asia, facilitating the onboarding of clients and securing new listings. Through blockchain technology, Mindex fosters a digital ecosystem for the African region, enabling regulated market players and retail investors to access innovative financial products within a clear regulatory framework.
Manisha's leadership extends to her role as Chair of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), where she drives impactful initiatives supporting sustainable development across Africa. Under her guidance, the ALSF has funded 40 large projects. These projects range from investments in sovereign wealth funds and green hydrogen to large-scale infrastructure development.
Manisha's international impact extends to her position on the board of the Telfair Education Group and her co-management of EU Africa Rise, a multi-million Euro EU facility covering 25 countries in Eastern and South Africa. Through Africa Rise, she leads flagship projects such as the biopharma framework for Mauritius and investment initiatives for Madagascar and Rwanda, driving socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability across the region. Manisha's thought leadership and expertise in greenfield investment transactions further solidify her role as a change-maker, influencing business leaders and government officials alike.
Manisha's dedication to financial sector development and professional advancement is evident through her extensive contributions. As the Chair of the Harvard Group for Mauritius and a co-founder of the Women in Finance and Investment Association of Mauritius, she champions gender equity and professional growth within the finance industry. The Association of Women in Investment and Finance has developed a Charter for Women in Investment and Finance in Mauritius, which is now being implemented. Moreover, as part of the Association, she contributed to recommendations to the Ministry of Finance for budgetary measures and in particular for the Finance Act. These were assented to in 2023. Her role as a special advisor for the Women in Finance of Rwanda and senior advisor for the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive economic opportunities.
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Mary Mulili
Designate Managing Director and CEO
UBA Kenya
As the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Kenya, Mary Mulili plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with market dynamics and regulatory standards while prioritizing customer needs. Under her leadership, UBA Kenya experienced remarkable financial growth, with a twofold increase in asset value and a staggering 115 percent surge in banking income in 2023. Mary's commitment to customer-centricity and operational efficiency is evident in the bank's continuous portfolio growth, boasting a 40 percent increase attributed to targeted market penetration strategies and expansion of the customer base, particularly within the Embassies, Multilaterals, Development Organizations, NGOs, and Foundations sector across sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, her spearheading of the G2G Oil deal has further solidified UBA Kenya's stability and prominence within the UBA Group. Moreover, she has helped drive sustainable banking practices which have yielded a 12 percent increase in revenue from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) focused products, showcasing the bank's dedication to responsible and profitable business practices.
Mary's dedication to enhancing customer experience and promoting financial inclusion is evident in UBA Kenya's groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of Braille Account Opening Forms for Persons with Visual Impairment. Mary's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs is evident through her service as a Board member of the Kenya Association of Women Business Owners (KAWBO), where she offers invaluable financial guidance for business growth. As Vice Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mary actively promotes international trade and commerce, advocating for open markets and facilitating the free flow of capital, thus further cementing her status as a leader in advancing industry standards and fostering inclusive economic growth.
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Susan Sawe
Director, Global Network Banking
East Africa
Citibank N.A.
Susan Sawe, Global Network Banking (GNB) Director for East Africa at Citibank N.A., oversees a portfolio comprising more than 650 accounts across various industries, contributing over 60 percent of the total franchise revenue. Under her leadership, the business segment recorded remarkable growth, with East Africa experiencing over 60 percent growth from 2020 to 2023. This outstanding result was achieved through Susan's strategic direction, overseeing a lean team of 35 relationship managers and analysts who delivered exceptional client solutions and adhered to regulatory standards. As the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Champion, Susan led initiatives towards a sustainable strategy, resulting in the successful closure of a sustainable securitization transaction to broaden access to finance for off-grid solar in Kenya. Additionally, her participation in industry initiatives such as Climate Risk Guidance and contributions to drafting the Central Bank of Kenya's Digital Currency Paper highlight her commitment to shaping the future of finance.
Susan's appointment as Director for Citibank N.A. in 2022 marked a historic milestone, making her the youngest individual ever to hold such a position in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Her exceptional leadership skills were evident when her Kenya team received a global award for outstanding performance, setting a precedent as the first Africa-based team to achieve such recognition. She also served as the acting CEO in the CEO’s absence, managing regulatory engagements on behalf of the bank. Moreover, she has achieved a high staff retention capacity of 98 percent, increased the capacity of the team by 84 percent, and prioritized career development leading to the export of talent to other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, London, USA, Ireland, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Susan is actively involved in community initiatives. She serves on a committee overseeing the restoration of a historic 3-manual Walker pipe organ at All Saints' Cathedral Nairobi, the largest in East and Central Africa, aiming to enhance the worship experience for a congregation of about 3,000 people. Susan also dedicates her time to volunteer work, singing for the sick at local hospitals every Christmas Eve, and supporting Nyumba ya Wazee, a hospice for the elderly, during Easter, Advent, and Christmas.
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Patience Muvea
Chief Actuary
Liberty Life Insurance Ltd.
As the Chief Actuary, Patience Muvea brings a wealth of experience to oversee the technical and strategic actuarial operations for Liberty Life Insurance in Kenya. She works closely with executive management to develop and implement the corporate strategy, spearheading the application of actuarial management principles to ensure a profitable and well-governed institution. Patience's notable achievements include effective risk management through pricing, reinsurance, and performance review, resulting in Liberty's continued shareholder value. She also led the development of innovative and profitable products, contributing to annual premium growth. She is a champion for sustainable finance and responsible investment by ensuring that as the lead in Asset Liability Management (ALM) within the business, the investment of significant funds within the firm’s business is done by fund managers who invest ethically and responsibly, hence ensuring that potential reputational damage arising from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues is mitigated.
Moreover, in product development and pricing work for life insurance products, she has ensured that the pricing benefit of women having better mortality has been a key consideration in providing differentiated pricing. Furthermore, Patience played a pivotal role in overseeing the smooth transition to the new accounting standard (IFRS 17) and ensuring Liberty's capital adequacy ratio exceeds 200 percent, earning recognition as one of the best-capitalized groups in the Kenyan market.
In addition to her significant contributions to financial performance, Patience has made remarkable strides in advancing the actuarial profession. Serving as the Mentorship Executive Lead for the Actuarial Academy of East Africa, she mentored over 100 aspiring actuaries and secured the academy's position as an official tutorial provider for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA). Her leadership also led to securing the 2029 International Actuarial Association (ICA) host country bid, positioning Kenya on the global stage. Serving as a council member for The Actuarial Society of Kenya (TASK) from 2018 to 2021, she played a pivotal role in leading the profession's transformation, including drafting the Actuaries’ Bill. Patience's tenure as one of the early women council members has paved the way for increased representation of women leaders within TASK, fostering diversity and inclusivity in the profession.
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Chantal Kagame
Chief Executive Officer
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.
As Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, Chantal is responsible for steering the company's strategic direction, ensuring its financial health, and fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape. Her leadership has significantly impacted the company's financial performance, evidenced by the remarkable growth in active users. Additionally, under her guidance, the company has witnessed exponential growth in MoMo transactions, increasing 14 times to around 180 million transactions. Through her stewardship, the company has expanded its services to cater to diverse needs, such as savings, micro-loans, and inbound/outbound remittances, contributing to a surge in financial transactions and savings culture in Rwanda. The strategic focus on remittances, a crucial financial lifeline in Rwanda, resulted in a 1900 percent increase in monthly inbound remittances over five years.
Chantal also led the launch of the Mobile Money Open API platform, which has facilitated integration with over 200 third-party players, promoting fintech innovation and digital financial services accessibility. Under her leadership, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd. has emerged as a beacon of financial inclusion and technological innovation in Rwanda. Moreover, through targeted efforts such as education, incentives, and outreach programs like Biva Momotima, the company has successfully increased the participation of women in its ecosystem, including onboarding more female agents. Presently, there are over 99,000 active female entrepreneurs engaged in Mobile Money services, highlighting Chantal's dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the financial sector. Chantal's dedication to fostering professional growth within the sector through education and training programs has contributed to the upskilling of professionals and the promotion of a culture of continuous learning. These efforts have not only elevated the firm's standing but have also positively impacted the broader development of the financial services industry.
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Mizinga Melu
Managing Director
Absa Bank Zambia
Mizinga Melu, as Managing Director of Absa Bank Zambia, has spearheaded the transformation of the institution into a digitally driven and customer-centric entity, achieving remarkable financial growth and industry recognition. Under her leadership, Absa Bank Zambia has experienced strong growth, surpassing the industry average and reporting the highest profits in the market. Leveraging innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service, Mizinga has led the bank to win numerous prestigious awards, including the CEO of the Year at both the Pan Africa Awards and the Africa Bank 4.0 Awards (SADC Region), Outstanding Financial Literacy Footprint, Best Customer Choice Banking Award, Best Overall Personal Banking, and Best Corporate Bank - Zambia, among others, cementing Absa Bank Zambia's position as a leader in the banking industry.
Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mizinga Melu and Absa Bank Zambia leveraged technology to ensure uninterrupted banking services. The implementation of digital and remote solutions enabled the bank to continue serving customers conveniently and safely, demonstrating a commitment to meeting their banking needs anytime, anywhere. A champion for sustainable and inclusive finance, Mizinga's leadership in advancing women's economic empowerment is demonstrated through initiatives like the Absa Women in Business account and partnerships with the International Trade Centre.
The acclaimed author of Braving the Odds, Mizinga previously served as the managing director and chief executive officer at Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, where she was the first Zambian and woman to serve in that role. Moreover, she achieved the distinction of being the first female CEO across Standard Chartered’s 13 African countries. Mizinga is also the founder of 'When Females Lead,' an African Women’s network dedicated to empowering the girl child.
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