15 CEOs in East Africa shaping its lending landscape

East Africa’s financial ecosystem is a story of ambition and ingenuity. Over the past decade, this region has seen a remarkable shift in how credit is accessed and delivered, powered by bold leaders who dared to reimagine lending. It’s no coincidence that East Africa is now regarded as a global hotspot for fintech innovation. In fact, as of 2024, East Africa’s FinTech sector grew with total investment increasing two fold to $16.5 miliion compared to 2023.

Yet, the numbers only tell part of the story. What truly drives this transformation is the leadership behind it—the CEOs who are redefining what it means to lend in East Africa. From introducing innovative credit scoring models to leveraging mobile technology to bring loans to underserved communities, these leaders are reshaping the narrative one borrower at a time.

But why does this matter? The stakes couldn’t be higher. Over 60% of Africans still lack access to formal financial services, and lending remains a cornerstone of economic empowerment. These CEOs understand that bridging the credit gap isn’t just about technology—it’s about strategy, vision, and relentless execution.

In this article, we celebrate 15 trailblazing CEOs in East Africa, who are not just solving its lending challenges but are also setting the stage for the future of credit in the region. These are the visionaries, the risk-takers, and the builders who are making a difference. Let’s meet them.

Jesse Moore – Co-Founder & CEO, M-KOPA

Jesse Moore, co-founder and CEO of M-KOPA, has been instrumental in revolutionizing access to essential services for underbanked communities in East Africa. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for social impact.

After earning a BA from the University of North Carolina as a Morehead Scholar, Moore began his career at Monitor Group, a strategy consulting firm. Seeking to drive social impact, he transitioned to CARE, an international organization combating global poverty, where he focused on enterprise solutions to empower beneficiaries economically.

In 2006, Moore pursued an MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, as a Skoll Scholar, honing his expertise in social entrepreneurship. Post-MBA, he joined Vodafone Group in London, contributing to the advancement of mobile connectivity in Africa and engaging with M-PESA, a mobile payment service that has significantly influenced financial inclusion in Kenya.

In 2010, Moore relocated to Nairobi with a vision to enhance access to essential services through technology. Collaborating with Nick Hughes and Chad Larson, he co-founded M-KOPA, a pioneering company providing pay-as-you-go solar energy solutions to off-grid customers. Under his leadership, M-KOPA has expanded its offerings to include smartphones, televisions, and financial services, reaching over 5 million customers across multiple African countries.

Moore’s leadership has been recognized globally; in 2017, he was selected by the World Economic Forum as one of 100 Young Global Leaders.

His work continues to drive financial inclusion and improve the quality of life for millions in East Africa.

For more insights into Jesse Moore’s vision and M-KOPA’s impact, you might find the following interview informative.

Dare Okoudjou – Founder & CEO, MFS Africa

Okoudjou holds a Master’s degree in Telecom Engineering from ENST-Paris and an MBA from INSEAD. He began his career as a management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Paris, where he contributed to the creation of new market competitors in the telecom sector.

Subsequently, he joined MTN Group, Africa’s leading mobile network operator, where he developed and implemented mobile payment strategies across 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

In 2009, using his extensive experience in telecom and mobile payments, Okoudjou founded MFS Africa. The company has since become a leading Pan-African fintech firm, operating the largest digital payments hub on the continent. MFS Africa connects over 320 million mobile money wallets across more than 35 African countries, facilitating seamless cross-border payments and financial inclusion.

Under Okoudjou’s leadership, MFS Africa has played a pivotal role in enhancing financial inclusion in East Africa by:

• Enabling cross-border payments: MFS Africa’s platform allows individuals and businesses to send and receive money across borders, reducing transaction costs and improving access to financial services.
• Promoting mobile remittances: The company has partnered with organizations like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to promote mobile remittances in rural areas of countries including Kenya and Uganda, thereby enhancing financial access in marginalized communities.
• Collaborating with global payment networks: MFS Africa’s collaboration with Visa has expanded digital payment solutions, enabling mobile money users to perform international transactions, thus broadening access to global markets.

Through these initiatives, Okoudjou has significantly contributed to the development of East Africa’s credit landscape, fostering economic growth and financial empowerment across the region.

For a deeper insight into Dare Okoudjou’s vision and the impact of MFS Africa, you might find the following interview informative.

Thomas Njeru – Co-founder and CEO, Pula

Thomas Njeru grew up on a small farm in Nembure, Embu, Kenya. He spent his early years working the land, understanding the challenges farmers face.

Seeking a different path, he studied actuarial science at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2009. 

Before founding Pula in 2015, Njeru held significant positions in the insurance industry. He served as the Insurance Director at Deloitte East Africa and was the Chief Actuary at UAP-Old Mutual Insurance Group in East Africa. His extensive experience in the insurance sector equipped him with the expertise to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing insurance.

Under Njeru’s leadership, Pula has redefined agricultural insurance in emerging markets by developing micro-insurance products and digital solutions that help farmers mitigate risks associated with climate change, such as droughts and floods. The company leverages on-the-ground and satellite data, along with AI models, to calculate premiums, making insurance more accessible and affordable for farmers. As of 2024, Pula has provided insurance coverage to over 20 million farmers across 19 countries, insuring $2.22 billion in agricultural investments.

Njeru’s leadership has led to significant advancements in agricultural insurance, increasing farmers’ access to credit and enabling quicker recovery from climate-related setbacks. Pula’s insurance payouts have exceeded $120 million, aiding farmers in bouncing back more swiftly after adverse events. The company’s approach has resulted in a 16% rise in farmer investments and a 56% boost in yields for those insured by Pula. In 2024, Pula secured a $20 million investment, with plans to expand its reach to 100 million farmers by 2029.

Awards and recognition:

Njeru’s innovative work has garnered significant recognition:

• InsurTech of the Year Award (2020): Pula was honored for its innovative approach to providing insurance solutions to smallholder farmers, reflecting the company’s impact under Njeru’s leadership.
• TIME100 Next (2024): Njeru was named in TIME Magazine’s list of emerging leaders shaping the future, acknowledging his contributions to agricultural insurance and the empowerment of smallholder farmers.
• Africa’s Business Heroes Competition (2023): He secured the second prize in this prestigious competition, earning $250,000 to further Pula’s mission of supporting smallholder farmers.

Shivani Siroya – Founder and CEO, Tala

Shivani Siroya is the founder and CEO of Tala, a mobile technology company that provides instant credit scoring and financial services to underserved populations in emerging markets.

Siroya holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Wesleyan University and a Master of Public Health in Health Economics and Policy from Columbia University.

Before starting Tala, Siroya worked in global health, conducting thousands of interviews with small business owners across Africa and India. She worked with the United Nations Population Fund, focusing on microfinance initiatives, and held positions at financial institutions such as Citi, UBS, and Credit Suisse. This experience highlighted the lack of access to financial services for many individuals, inspiring her to create a solution. She founded Tala in 2011 to bridge this gap.

Achievements and recognition:

Under Siroya’s leadership, Tala has achieved significant milestones:

• CNBC Disruptor 50: In 2024, Tala was named to the CNBC Disruptor 50 list, highlighting its impact in the fintech industry.
• Funding: In April 2018, Tala secured $65 million in funding from investors such as Female Founders Fund, Lowercase Capital, and Revolution Capital, bringing its total funding to over $105 million.
• Global Reach: Tala has disbursed over $1 billion to more than 4 million customers across East Africa, the Philippines, Mexico, and India, enabling users to start and expand small businesses and build more stable financial lives.

As of 2024, Kenyans have borrowed over KSh 300 billion from Tala, underscoring the significant role digital lending platforms play in the country’s financial landscape.

Siroya’s innovative approach has garnered recognition, including being named an Ashoka Fellow in 2013, and nominated a Wired Icon in 2018 by Melinda Gates.

Topyster Muga – Founder and CEO, Prosper Mentor

Topyster Namasaka Muga is a Kenyan telecommunications and fintech specialist, renowned for her contributions to digital financial services and her leadership in the tech industry.

Born in Mumias, Kenya, Muga was raised alongside five brothers by her mother, a fishmonger, and her father, a court prosecutor in Kakamega. She attended Mumias Central Primary School and Alliance Girls’ High School. Muga earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, graduating with First Class Honours. She also holds an MBA from INSEAD Business School, obtained through the INSEAD MBA’75 Nelson Mandela Endowed Scholarship.

Muga’s career began at Barclays Bank of Kenya as an application and system support assistant. She later joined Airtel Kenya in 2005, rising to become the youngest female IT manager at 26. In 2014, she was appointed Head of Airtel Money in Kenya, where she led innovations such as the Airtel Money Pesa Card and the Akiba Mkononi mobile banking product.

After her MBA, Muga joined Vodafone Group as the M-Pesa Principal Product Manager, overseeing product development in emerging markets. She later served as Senior Director for Financial Inclusion for sub-Saharan Africa at Visa Inc., advocating for socioeconomic financial inclusion across the continent.

In July 2020, Muga founded Prosper App, a personal development platform aimed at empowering professionals through mentorship and skill development.

Muga is a frequent speaker at international forums, including the Financial Times Summit and the World Economic Forum. She co-founded the Digniti Charitable Trust and mentors at the Zawadi Africa Education Fund. As the East African regional lead and Kenya’s ambassador on the African Women in Fintech and Payments Advisory Board, she continues to advocate for technology-driven financial inclusion and the empowerment of women in the tech industry.

Awards and recognition:

Muga’s achievements have been acknowledged through various honors:

• Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya (2018): Recognized as one of Kenya’s leading young women.
• INSEAD Nelson Mandela Scholarship (2011): Awarded for her academic excellence and leadership potential.
• Pink Potential Sub-Saharan Africa IT Woman of the Year (2015): Recognized for her contributions to the IT sector.
• Gold Stevie Technology Woman of the Year (2016): Honored for her achievements in technology.
• TechWomen Emerging Leader (2017): Selected for her leadership in technology.
• Women in Fintech Powerlist (2017): Included among influential women in fintech.

Feature read: 13 female CEOs shaping the Nigerian credit ecosystem

Benjamin Fernandes – Founder and CEO, NALA

Born on November 25, 1992, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Fernandes is the son of Pastor Vernon and Anny Fernandes. He attended Haven of Peace Academy on scholarship and later pursued higher education in the United States. Fernandes earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, graduating with top honors.

He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, becoming the first Tanzanian to attend the institution as an Africa MBA Fellow and the youngest African ever accepted. In 2017, he also attended the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government for an executive education program, making him the first Tanzanian to attend both prestigious institutions.

His career trajectory:

Fernandes began his career in media, working as a television presenter in Tanzania from the age of 17. He gained national attention during the London 2012 Olympics as a national television presenter.

His first big break came at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he worked on financial services for underserved communities. This opened his eyes to the challenges of making financial systems work for everyone.

In 2017, he founded NALA, a mobile app for money transfers. NALA enables people and businesses to make cross-border payments from the USA, UK, and Europe to Africa. What makes NALA different? It works without the internet, solving a problem for many African users. NALA quickly became a big deal—it was the first East African fintech accepted into Y-Combinator, a prestigious Silicon Valley startup accelerator.

Since then, Benjamin has raised $10 million for NALA from top investors like Accel and Bessemer Ventures. The app is now used by the African diaspora in the U.S., UK, and Europe to send money home, even integrating with Apple Pay and Google Pay. In 2023, NALA announced a partnership with M-Pesa, enabling users in 21 countries to send money directly to M-Pesa wallets.

Awards and recognition:

Fernandes has received several accolades for his contributions to fintech and technology:

• ROW100 Most Influential Technology Leaders (2022): Listed in the inaugural ROW100, highlighting his influence in the global tech industry
• 15th Most Influential Tanzanian (2020): Recognized for his impact on Tanzania’s fintech landscape.

For a more in-depth understanding of Benjamin Fernandes’ journey and insights, you might find this interview informative.

Andrew Tesha – Founder and CEO, A-Trader

Andrew Tesha is a name that stands out in East Africa’s fintech space, especially in Tanzania, where he’s been making waves with A-Trader, a mobile trading platform. His journey began with a keen interest in technology and finance. Tesha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Southern Cross University, obtained in 2008. He later worked with various firms, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon took over.

In 2019, Andrew launched A-Trader, aiming to give ordinary people in Tanzania access to financial markets. A-Trader is an app that allows users to buy and sell stocks and other financial assets directly from their phones, bypassing traditional brokers. It’s an innovative move in a region where the stock market has often been out of reach for the average person.

Under Tesha’s leadership, A-Trader was awarded the prize for Best Seed Startup at the seventh AfricArena Grand Summit in 2023, recognizing its impact in digitizing African capital markets

Andrew’s goal with A-Trader was simple: make financial markets more inclusive. In a place where many people have no access to conventional investment opportunities, A-Trader is changing the game. It’s giving people the tools to grow their money and plan for their future, all through a mobile app.

His platform has been growing rapidly, attracting a lot of interest and investment. By opening up trading to the masses, Andrew is not just changing how people think about money in Tanzania—he’s helping to shape the future of financial access in East Africa.

Mélanie Keïta – Founder and CEO, Melanin Kapital

Mélanie Keïta is a French-Senegalese entrepreneur who has made significant strides in Africa’s fintech sector. She co-founded Melanin Kapital, a climate-focused financial technology platform dedicated to supporting African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their green transition.

Before launching Melanin Kapital in 2020, Keïta built a solid foundation in impact investment across various regions, including Paris, Nairobi, and Frankfurt. She worked with organizations such as Investisseurs et Partenaires, the United Nations, and Finance in Motion, focusing on due diligence processes for investing in SMEs, startups, and financial institutions.

Under her leadership, Melanin Kapital has evolved from traditional crowd lending to a green credit and carbon offsets platform. The company aims to make financing more accessible and affordable for African SMEs, with a mission to ensure that every African SME is eligible for climate finance to grow their business.

Awards and recognition:

Keïta’s work has garnered significant recognition:

• GITEX Top Africa Awards: Acknowledged for contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem.
• Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021): Named among the leading young entrepreneurs and change-makers.
• Hewlett Packard Foundation Award (2022): Recognized for best climate innovation.
• AfricArena “Most Promising Entrepreneur” Award: Honored for her entrepreneurial potential and impact.

Her commitment to empowering African businesses with clear, affordable financial solutions through trusted financial data infrastructure continues to drive her mission.

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Dr. James Mwangi – Founder, Equity Bank

Dr. James Mwangi is a prominent Kenyan banker and entrepreneur, best known for his transformative leadership as the Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc.

Dr. Mwangi began his career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse before moving to Ernst & Young. He later joined Trade Bank as the Group Financial Controller. In 1991, he was invited to join Equity Building Society (EBS), then a failing institution, as the Finance and Operations Director.

Under his leadership, EBS transitioned into Equity Bank and became a leading financial services provider in East Africa. Equity Bank listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in 2006 and expanded its operations across six countries, with a commercial representative office in Ethiopia.

As of March 2023, Equity Group reported a consolidated asset base of KES 1.53 trillion (USD 11.6 billion) and a customer base exceeding 18 million.

His contributions to East Africa’s credit landscape have been nothing short of massive.

Under his leadership, Equity Bank transitioned from a building society to a leading bank, emphasizing services for the unbanked and underbanked populations. Initiatives such as the Wings to Fly scholarship program have provided comprehensive education scholarships to nearly 60,000 academically gifted, needy students, building a new generation of leaders.

Additionally, the establishment of Equity Afia Medical Centres, a franchise run by Equity Leadership Program scholars who pursued medical degrees, has improved access to healthcare, attending to over 1.5 million patients cumulatively.

Through the Young Africa Works program, Equity Group Foundation has mobilized over 539,000 micro and small enterprises, providing loans and training to scale businesses and create employment, particularly for youth and women.

These efforts have significantly expanded access to credit and financial services, contributing to the economic empowerment of individuals and communities across the region.

Awards and recognition

Dr. Mwangi’s contributions have been recognized both regionally and globally. Notable accolades include:

• Oslo Business for Peace Award (2020): Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Business,” this award honors business leaders who promote peace and prosperity through ethical business practices.
• Bloomberg 50 (2019): Recognized among the top global innovators and leaders.
• Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year (2012): Celebrated for outstanding entrepreneurial achievements.
• Forbes Africa Person of the Year (2012): Acknowledged for significant impact on business and society in Africa.
• African Banker of the Year: Received multiple times, including in 2010, 2011, and 2018, for excellence in banking.
• Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear: A national honor awarded by the Kenyan government for distinguished service.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: He was honored this award at the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards held at Sun City, South Africa by the Africa Business News, the owners of CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa.

Eric Muriuki Njagi – Group Director, Digital Business, CBA (NCBA Group)

Mr. Njagi’s career in the banking industry spans over two decades, with extensive regional experience dating back to 1999. He joined CBA Group (now NCBA Group) in 2007 as a Business Development Manager. He then served as the Head of Enterprise Programmes Management until 2011, when he became the General Manager of New Business Ventures. In his current role as Group Director of Digital Business, he has been instrumental in driving the bank’s digital transformation.

Mr. Njagi holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Master of Business Administration from Strathmore Business School. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and a member of the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).

Under Mr. Njagi’s leadership, NCBA Group has achieved significant milestones in digital banking. He pioneered the development and commercialization of mobile savings and loans services, including M-Shwari in Kenya, M-Pawa in Tanzania, MoKash in Uganda and Rwanda, and MoMoKash in Ivory Coast. These services have become reference models for mobile-centric financial services, significantly enhancing financial inclusion across the region.

Under his leadership, NCBA has invested heavily in technology to offer inclusive financial services. Eric emphasizes the importance of mobile technology, noting that over 1.1 billion out of 1.7 billion mobile subscribers in Africa use mobile money services. This insight has driven NCBA to develop digital platforms that cater to the unbanked and underbanked populations.

Eric’s commitment to digital innovation has positioned NCBA as a leader in providing accessible financial solutions across East Africa. His strategic focus on mobile technology continues to bridge the gap for millions seeking financial services.

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Peter Ndegwa – CEO, Safaricom

Dr. Peter Ndegwa is the CEO of Safaricom PLC, a leading communications company in Africa and the pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most advanced mobile payment system.

Born in Kenya around 1969, Ndegwa attended Starehe Boys’ Centre and School. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Business Administration from the London School of Business. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant.

Ndegwa’s career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the United Kingdom. In 2004, he joined East African Breweries Limited (EABL) as Director of Strategy in Nairobi. He later served as Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited from December 2011 and Guinness Nigeria from August 2015. In July 2018, he became General Manager of Diageo’s business in Western and Eastern Europe, including Russia, based in Amsterdam.

On April 1, 2020, Ndegwa became the first Kenyan CEO of Safaricom, succeeding the late Bob Collymore. Under his leadership, Safaricom has focused on sustainability and regional expansion. In September 2024, the company secured a 15 billion shilling ($116.73 million) sustainability-linked loan from local banks to invest in renewable energy for its transmission sites.

Ndegwa has also overseen Safaricom’s entry into the Ethiopian market, covering 38% of the population and onboarding 4.4 million customers.

In November 2024, Safaricom adjusted its full-year earnings forecast downward due to the depreciation of Ethiopia’s birr, which impacted net income. Despite these challenges, Ndegwa remains optimistic about the long-term success of the Ethiopian venture, with profitability expected by the 2027 financial year.

In recognition of his contributions to business and leadership, Ndegwa received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Management from Meru University of Science and Technology.

For a deeper insight into Dr. Ndegwa’s leadership and vision for Safaricom, you might find the following interview informative.

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit MBS – MD, M–Pesa Africa

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit is a key figure in East Africa’s financial landscape, particularly known for his leadership in mobile financial services. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and Organizational Change from Lancaster University in the UK.

Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, MBS, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of M-PESA Africa, overseeing the strategic direction and operations of Africa’s largest fintech platform. Under his leadership, M-PESA serves over 60 million active customers across eight African markets, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Egypt, facilitating more than $1.1 billion in daily transactions.

Before his current role, Sitoyo held several executive positions within the telecommunications sector:

• Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom PLC: Managed and expanded M-PESA’s services in Kenya, achieving double-digit growth with revenues exceeding $700 million. He spearheaded innovations such as the M-PESA Super App, Fuliza (the world’s first mobile contextual overdraft), M-Shwari (a savings and loans proposition), and M-PESA Global, enhancing financial inclusion and revolutionizing the mobile money space.
• M-Commerce Director at Vodacom Tanzania: Led a turnaround strategy that significantly increased the adoption and execution of M-PESA, introducing transformative products and services like the Mobile Money G2 platform, M-PESA app, interoperable transactions for both P2P and merchant payments, and B2B payments.

In addition to his role at M-PESA Africa, Sitoyo serves as:

• Chairman of M-PESA Limited (Tanzania)
• The Chairman of Moi University Teaching and Referral Hospital
• Chairman of KCA University Council
• Board Member of the Central Depository & Settlement Corporation Limited (CDSC)

Awards and recognitions:

His contributions to financial services and change management have been recognized with the award of the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), one of Kenya’s highest honors.

In 2023, Sitoyo was inducted into the 11:FS Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant impact on the fintech industry.

Akpasi Merit – MD, Standard Life Rwanda

Akpasi Merit is the Managing Director of Standard Life Rwanda (SLR Plc) and a key figure in East Africa’s financial services sector. With more than 15 years of experience in banking and credit, she has built a career defined by resilience and a hands-on approach to leadership. Since taking over at SLR in 2022, Merit has focused on expanding credit access and improving financial inclusion through practical, customer-focused solutions.

Starting her career in Nigeria, Merit gained experience at Oceanic Bank, now Ecobank, before joining the Standard Life Organization, where she rose from Branch Manager to Area Manager. Her expertise spans branch operations, digital strategy, and customer service, and she uses this experience to address the everyday challenges of borrowers and lenders alike.

Through her leadership, Merit is making credit more accessible and manageable for communities across East Africa, setting a benchmark for what effective financial services can achieve in the region.

Recognizing Airtel Money and MTN Mobile Money leadership

No conversation about East Africa’s lending landscape would be complete without mentioning Airtel Rwanda and MTN Mobile Money. These two giants have revolutionized mobile financial services, bringing access to millions across the region. While key decisions for these companies are often made at the group level, their operations in East Africa have been instrumental in driving financial inclusion, enabling small businesses, and creating innovative credit solutions.

We recognize the contributions of their local leaders including Emmanuel Hamez, who serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Rwanda, since September 2021; and Chantal Umutoni Kagame, who is currently a Chief Executive Officer- Mobile Money Rwanda LTD at MTN , whose efforts ensure these services meet the unique needs of East African markets. Their work continues to shape the region’s financial ecosystem, laying the groundwork for greater access to credit and economic empowerment.