Job Title: head of IT
Company: Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance, Rwanda
Charles Rugema is the head of IT at Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance in Rwanda.
He leads the organisation’s technology strategy, overseeing IT operations, digital transformation and system innovation to support business growth and customer experience.
Charles began his journey with the company as a systems support officer when it operated as SORAS Vie. Through progressive leadership and technical expertise, he rose to the position of head of IT.
Among his notable achievements, Charles led the implementation of the AIMS core insurance system and the migration from the legacy CICA-RE platform. He later spearheaded the upgrade of the AIMS system to Oracle technology, an accomplishment that earned him the organisation’s Employee of the Year award in 2015. He has also overseen the deployment of key financial and human resource systems, including Sage 300 Accpac and Sage People, enhancing enterprise-wide integration and reporting.
Charles played a pivotal role in the successful merger of the SORAS Vie and SAHAM Vie databases following Sanlam’s acquisition in 2018, ensuring seamless operational continuity. His leadership extended to regulatory compliance initiatives, including the development of electronic data warehouse solutions to meet National Bank of Rwanda requirements and the oversight of IFRS 17 readiness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles enabled full remote business continuity by strengthening the organisation’s IT infrastructure. He also supervised the deployment of an electronic document management system, digitising the company’s physical archives and improving information accessibility.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Charles contributes to governance and community initiatives. He serves as an IT advisor and board member of the ADEPR Church High Council, providing strategic guidance on digital transformation. In addition, he has been approved by the National Bank of Rwanda as a board member of CPF INEZA Microfinance Institution, where he chairs the risk committee.
Earlier in his career, Charles worked as a computer science teacher at Groupe Scolaire ACEPER de Nyamagabe, where he taught subjects including programming, operating systems, networking and mathematics.
Work Experience
2015–Present: head of IT, Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance
2008–2015: systems support officer, Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (formerly SORAS Vie)
2007–2008: computer science teacher, Groupe Scolaire ACEPER de Nyamagabe
Education
2023: Master of science in project management, University of Kigali
2007: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, National University of Rwanda
About Company
Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance is a leading life insurance provider in Rwanda and part of the Sanlam Allianz joint venture, a pan-African financial services partnership. The company offers a wide range of life insurance and financial protection solutions, including savings, investment and risk products, serving individuals, families and corporate clients while supporting financial inclusion and long-term economic resilience.
