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Jubilee Holdings’ group CIO Julius Orayo took a different route to the top by stepping out of IT for 14 years before returning to lead it with a business-first mindset. He shares what powers his strategy, why talent retention is a daily battle, and what scares him more than a missed deadline.

He previously served as chief information and digital officer, and earlier as CIO at DTB Uganda, before being appointed group head of the system development centre at DTB Bank.

Mercy Kimani’s journey at Nation Media Group began as an intern curious about how the tech team worked. More than two decades later, she heads the IT Operations function across four countries, leading bold projects, championing homegrown solutions and embracing AI to future-proof East Africa’s largest media house.

At DHL Express Kenya, head of IT Peter Kuya focuses on making technology work quietly in the background so people can shine. With a hands-on approach and a belief that good systems should never get in the way, he is bringing that philosophy to life, one system and one team at a time.

Prior to this role, Jectone served as IT lead at Cold Solutions Kenya, where he led the digital transformation of one of East Africa’s leading cold chain logistics providers.

Amiri Sultani Mziray, head of IT at I&M Bank Tanzania, describes his leadership style as shielding his team from distractions so they can focus on innovation. A strategist at heart, he has unified infrastructure, pioneered Tanzania’s first non-telco mobile wallet and is now embedding AI into banking.

As acting head of business technology at Tropical Bank, Ochen Solomon Eliud has driven digital transformation and delivered impact despite limited resources and a tough regulatory climate.

Jean-Marie Gashonga has spent his career building technology systems and empowering teams to deliver results. As IT manager at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, he has modernised core systems for insurance operations, championed automation and fostered collaboration within the wider IT leadership community. In this conversation, he shares how innovation, people and shared knowledge are shaping the future of insurance technology.

ICT Manager at Bimas Kenya Kimathi Marangu has spent nearly a decade designing solutions that make technology accessible and impactful for low-income communities.

Prior to his appointment, James Mugo served as IT manager at Tropikal Brands Afrika, where he led ERP upgrades, sales force automation, production process automation, and cybersecurity enhancements.

Jectone Onyuka, IT lead at Cold Solutions, is using automation, AI and smart infrastructure to streamline operations and cut costs across East Africa. He is building IT systems that are lean, secure and business-driven without losing sight of the human side of change.

Prior to her appointment, Sandrine Uwituze served as product owner at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), where she led agile-driven digital transformation projects, including the ISHEMA contribution collection engine, the Ejo Heza savings platform, and the e-Kimina solution for savings groups.

James Kwezi is on a mission to do more than digitalise; he is securing the future of finance in Rwanda. As digital transformation manager at AFR, he is driving responsible innovation, building cyber resilience and leading the charge on ethical AI. He shares how strategy, vigilance and vision are shaping the next chapter of digital development.

Guided by the memory of his father’s IT career, Christopher Ochieng has built a 15-year legacy in the water sector, steering multi-million-shilling projects and introducing AI to dam operations. Now assistant ICT director at Athi Water Works, he is pushing for smart technologies that could transform how Kenya manages one of its most precious resources.

Tadeo Kyeyune, CTO at Tugende, is keen on creating change that brings impact. He is building versatile teams and making data accessible for thousands of users, blending engineering rigour with business insight while keeping technology aligned with growth, customer needs and the future of AI.

Sandrine Uwituze led the launch of Ishema, Rwanda’s national social security platform, before she turned 30. She shares insights into her new role as a deployment lead, her passion for clean data and how early mornings at the gym set the tone for high-impact workdays.

Girma Kassa’s journey from a young Ethiopian accountant to a regional tech leader spans three continents and two decades of digital transformation. Now at the helm of SAP’s operations across East, West, and Southern Africa, Girma is not just implementing software, he is on a mission to shift mindsets, nurture local talent and champion AI adoption.

Paul Mandele’s love for gadgets sparked a career in building practical, home‑grown tech solutions. As head of IT at Smart Foundry, he is turning bold ideas into products, drawing on a journey that spans 3D printing for education, an SMS tool protecting farmers and a lifelong passion for teaching.

Vinod Sharma began his career in the late 1990s, just as banking was starting to go digital. Since then, he has worked across business and tech roles in financial services, helping shape forward-looking products like payments and embedded finance, while also strengthening compliance and fraud prevention – always with an eye on where the industry is headed next and what he can do to drive innovation.

When a financial setback forced him to pause his final year of university, Dan Okello didn’t quit – he recalibrated. Today, as head of systems and data analytics at C-Care Uganda, he leads a digital transformation, showing how resilience and a deep understanding of healthcare can drive lasting change.

Russell Akuom’s love for computers was purely accidental, sparked by a stint in a cybercafé after high school. That chance encounter set him on a path that now sees him leading Nation Media Group’s digital strategy, while finding time for his hobbies like marathons, hikes and kickboxing.

Eric Karerangabo isn’t just leading IT at the Rwanda Green Fund, he is building its climate finance digital backbone. From custom-built M&E tools to patented commercial solutions, Eric’s hands-on tech expertise now powers major initiatives at the fund.

With nearly a decade in the shipping industry, Evans Ngala, group ICT manager at Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) is challenging the one-size-fits-all approach to tech, pushing for solutions that actually work for East Africa.

Hawa Mwakatundu didn’t just rise through the tech ranks; she rewired them. Starting on the customer side of the screen, she now leads Tanzania’s Smart Africa Group’s technology subsidiary as Smartnology’s CTO. She reflects on challenging boardroom assumptions and building the company’s entire IT infrastructure from scratch.

Michael Monda, principal ICT officer at ATIDI, shares his 17-year journey in tech leadership. He reflects on the power of AI, the evolving cybersecurity landscape, and why family and community remain at the heart of his mission.

From turning down a government scholarship to choosing tech over tradition, Emmanuella Nzahabonimana has chartered her own path to the top. As head of technology at BPR Bank Rwanda – and the only female head of technology at KCB Group – she shares how staying calm, pushing boundaries, and lifting others has shaped her leadership journey.

Richard Ssenono wants to build a digital legacy across borders. The head of information services at Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is bridging the gap between health and tech and doing it on his own terms

As global director of data and analytics at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Erick Ngwiri is leading data transformation on a global scale, while exploring cultures through cuisine in his downtime.

Faith Nkatha Gitonga, head of technology and digital transformation at the Tony Blair Institute, shares a powerful, humorous, and deeply personal take on what it means to be a woman in tech, the strength of saying ‘no’, and why a strong support system matters just as much as ambition.

Kenlewis Nderi believes the best way to solve a problem is to never have to solve it again. At Kenfreight East Africa, he’s leading a regional IT operation rooted in automation, cloud innovation and cybersecurity strategy – all while building a culture of proactive problem-solving and continuous learning.

Abdulrazaaq Adan is redefining ICT leadership in East Africa’s energy sector. As group head of ICT at Hass Group, he is leading digital transformation across seven countries through stabilising systems, championing cloud migration, and integrating regional platforms.

From Tanzania to Kenya, Robert Rutahoile has helped build GTBank’s IT backbone from the ground up. As the bank’s Head of IT in Kenya, Robert brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise, cultural fluency and a people-first leadership style. Having navigated the complexities of regional expansion, he knows that true transformation isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about understanding people.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Mwirigi Kiula served as director of ICT & innovation at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)

Justine Opira didn’t start his career in a server room. But his determination and passion for innovation have propelled him to his current role as ICT officer at Amref Health Africa in Uganda. He shares his unlikely journey – and why building a tech community matters.

Absa Bank Tanzania’s Emmanuel Mwinuka is championing digital and financial inclusion through a clear vision for mobile-first solutions, strategic partnerships and a commitment to cybersecurity.

For Deborah Masara, acting head of technology and operations at KMRC, the boundaries between science fiction and real-world technological innovation are fascinatingly blurred. The future she glimpses through sci-fi movies fuels her drive in her professional life, where she finds profound satisfaction in developing technology solutions.

Britam group CIO Tom Juma is no ordinary tech leader. With a career built on turning around broken systems, a sharp sense of humour, and a deep commitment to business-first IT, Tom is redefining what it means to lead in the digital era.

From PHP developer to director of engineering, Ideon van Niekerk’s story reflects ambition, resilience and growth. He shares how he leads remote teams, tackles the challenges of business in East Africa, and builds innovative tech solutions for WhatsApp-based repeat loans.

From being the first member of the tech team at Jacaranda Health, to now leading a team of 12, Jay has been instrumental in building systems that impact millions of mothers across Kenya.

Paul went from engineering to managing teams at service providers to ultimately defining his own role at ICEA LION. His greatest challenge and greatest privilege is growing the next generation of IT leaders.

Peter Ngugi, regional head of ICT at Mayfair Insurance, thrives on unpredictability. His leadership is rooted in a passion for delivering impactful solutions. In an industry that evolves at the speed of light, Peter is embracing change and making it work.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies chief technology officer David Bagandanswa is intent on building empowered teams that “run themselves”. As the company transitions into a fully-fledged tech solutions provider, his focus is set on building a global presence and pivoting fully to strategy.

Paul believes a single shift in technology can change the course of thousands of lives. In his view, technology has the power to reshape the future of Africa.

HighChem Group head of ICT Dan Wachira’s thrill for finding solutions has shaped his journey at the group. What began as a three-month internship has seen him take charge of the conglomerate’s IT transformation and lead the effort to streamline systems.

When you ask Manav Mengi what excites him most about his work, his answer is simple: transformation. As the CIO of DTB Uganda, he is leading the bank’s shift to digital banking in a country where cash is still king.

Roland Lukyamuzi embodies the spirit of lifelong learning in the fast-changing world of technology. Celebrating a quarter of a century of IT leadership this year, he reflects on the value of curiosity, continuous learning and community.

ABM Group IT head Dominic Kebenei is on a mission to embed technology in every facet of the business. As a champion of digital transformation, he believes innovation is the lifeblood of any forward-looking organisation.

An African cybersecurity study has revealed that despite growing concerns about safety of information across the continent, users are increasingly likely to share personal information if there's something in it for them.

Founder KC Rottok Chesaina says the organisation is making great inroads into the region, meeting IT leaders and learning what they most want from their community.

Kibe Kamau’s unconventional journey from finance to IT is a masterclass in blending disciplines to maximise value. He reveals how he leverages his experience in both fields to align the company’s in-house solutions with strategic business needs.

The head of ICT advocates for creating efficiency without eliminating jobs because “society has to continue”.

The Diamond Trust Bank CDIO says no two days in his role are the same and agility is the greatest learning from his childhood.