The CEO East Africa Magazine Podcast.

CEO East Africa Magazine

Business, Leadership and Impact.

  1. May 28

    Q&A: How I&M Bank is Simplifying Trade, Banking & Movement Across Eastern Africa | Robin Bairstow

    What does it take to transform a legacy bank into one of Eastern Africa’s most ambitious regional banking brands?In this episode, Muhereza Kyamutetera sits down with Robin Bairstow, CEO of I&M Bank Uganda, for a deep conversation on leadership, transformation, regional trade, digital banking, and the future of financial services in Eastern Africa.From the transition of Orient Bank into I&M Bank Uganda, to the rollout of I&M Brisk — a solution simplifying cross-border banking and trade across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Mauritius — Robin shares the strategy, technology investments, leadership lessons, and cultural shifts that have powered the bank’s rise.The conversation explores:📎 The transformation journey of I&M Bank Uganda📎 Leadership lessons from managing change and growth📎 How I&M Brisk is enabling seamless regional banking📎 East Africa’s future as a connected economic bloc📎 Digital banking, AI, fintechs, and the future of banking📎 Uganda’s economic opportunities in oil & gas, tourism, trade, and agriculture📎 The importance of culture, trust, and people in business transformation📎 Skills young professionals need for the future of financial servicesWhether you are a business leader, entrepreneur, banker, investor, policymaker, or young professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of banking and regional integration in East Africa.#imbank #RobinBairstow #EastAfrica #Banking #Leadership #Trade #DigitalBanking #Fintech #Uganda #IandMBrisk #BusinessPodcast #CEOEastAfrica #CEOnomics #Transformation #RegionalTrade #AfricaBusiness

    56 min

  2. May 28

    Absa Bank Uganda's David Wandera’s Leadership Playbook: Faith, Discipline & Execution

    What does it really take to lead one of Uganda’s biggest banks in a fast-changing world?In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, CEO East Africa Magazine sits down with David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, to unpack the leadership philosophy, personal values, and strategic thinking behind Absa Uganda’s breakout 2025 performance.Fresh off a year in which Absa Uganda delivered:📌 25% growth in profit after tax📌 46% growth in customer deposits📌 29% growth in total assets📌 And crossed the UGX 7 trillion balance sheet markDavid Wandera reflects on:📎 Becoming the first Ugandan to lead Absa Bank Uganda in over 90 years📎 Leading under pressure and expectations📎 Why “quiet leadership” matters📎 Faith and prayer in executive decision-making📎 Discipline, resilience, and personal growth📎 The future of banking and digital transformation📎 AI, cybersecurity, and the changing customer📎 Uganda’s 10X growth ambition📎 Gen Z employees and the future workforce📎 Financial independence, investing, and wealth creation📎 Why Uganda still has enormous untapped potentialThis is more than a banking conversation — it is a masterclass in leadership, stewardship, strategy, and purpose.Subscribe to CEO East Africa Magazine for more conversations shaping business, leadership, strategy, and impact across Africa.

    1h 13m

  3. May 28

    How Grace Muliisa Doubled Ecobank Uganda's Assets to UGX 1.27 Tn | Secrets Behind the Turnaround.

    In this exclusive episode, CEO East Africa Magazine's Executive Editor, Muhereza Kyamutetera, sits down with Grace Muliisa, Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, for a candid and insightful conversation about leadership, transformation, strategy, and the future of African banking.From leading Ecobank Uganda’s remarkable rise past the UGX 1 trillion mark in assets and deposits, to redefining market relevance through clarity, disciplined execution, digital innovation, and customer-centric banking, Grace Muliisa shares the real story behind one of Uganda’s most impressive banking turnarounds.In this interview, Grace discusses:📎 How Ecobank Uganda transformed into a high-growth bank📎 The leadership philosophy driving the bank’s success📎 Why clarity and consistency matter in leadership📎 Building strong teams and attracting top talent📎 Women in leadership and breaking barriers in banking📎 Ecobank’s pan-African advantage and regional trade opportunities📎 Digital banking, payments, and the future of finance📎 Uganda’s 10X economic strategy and the opportunities ahead📎 The importance of agriculture, tourism, mining, and SMEs📎 The Elevate programme supporting women entrepreneurs📎 Personal lessons on ambition, mentorship, resilience, and growthIf you are a business leader, entrepreneur, policymaker, banker, young professional, or anyone interested in Africa’s growth story, this conversation is for you.Subscribe to CEO East Africa Magazine for more conversations shaping business, leadership, and impact across Africa.

    1h 18m

  4. May 28

    Living Briskly Across Borders: How I&M Bank Rwanda Is Powering East Africa’s Crossborder Economy

    Welcome to CEO East Africa Magazine and another powerful conversation under our “Living Briskly Across Borders” series — where we explore how business, banking, travel, and technology are reshaping the future of East Africa.As East Africa becomes increasingly interconnected, the way people live, work, trade, and transact is changing rapidly. Today’s entrepreneurs, traders, professionals, and travellers expect their money to move as seamlessly as they do across Kigali, Kampala, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and beyond.In this episode, Muhereza Kyamutetera sits down with Benjamin Mutimura, the Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank Rwanda, to discuss how the bank is helping power East Africa’s growing cross-border economy through innovation, digital banking, customer experience, and platforms like I&M Brisk.From leadership and transformation to financial inclusion, Gen Z, SME growth, and the future of regional banking, this conversation offers a fascinating look into how Rwanda and East Africa are building a faster, more connected financial ecosystem.This is: “Living Briskly Across Borders: How I&M Bank Rwanda Is Powering East Africa’s Cross-border Economy.”Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this conversation with your network.Let’s dive in.

    42 min

  5. May 4

    The Art of Corporate Governance: A Masterclass with Japheth Katto, Uganda's Governance Guru

    In this powerful episode of the LXL East Africa Podcast, we sit down with Japheth Katto, one of East Africa’s most respected governance minds.From serving as the first CEO of Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to chairing and sitting on boards of institutions like Stanbic Bank, Uganda Breweries (UBL), and Bank of Uganda, Katto brings over 40 years of boardroom experience to this masterclass on leadership, governance, and strategy.This is not just a conversation—it’s a blueprint for anyone navigating leadership, boardrooms, or corporate growth in Africa.What you’ll learn in this episode:📎 How Katto transitioned from an accountant in the UK to shaping Uganda’s capital markets📎 The delicate balance between CEOs and Boards—and why it must never be “too cozy” or hostile📎 What top organisations look for when selecting board members (hint: it’s not about golf)📎 How to manage conflicts of interest and maintain independence under pressure📎 Why the future of governance is shifting toward ESG, AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation📎 How boards are adapting to Gen Z’s expectations around purpose and flexibility📎 Why today’s CEO role is now 80% stakeholder managementAbout LXL East Africa:The League of Extraordinary Leaders (LXL) brings you deep, honest conversations with East Africa’s most influential leaders—sharing lessons to inspire the next generation of decision-makers and change-makers.Watch, learn, and rethink leadership.#Leadership #CorporateGovernance #Boardroom #AfricaBusiness #CEOs #Strategy #LXL #EastAfrica #JaphethKatto

    1h 44m

  6. May 4

    What really makes Serena Hotels stand out in East Africa’s hospitality space?

    What really makes Serena Hotels stand out in East Africa’s hospitality space?During the Living Briskly in East Africa, our journey across the region took us to Kigali — where we got to experience Serena’s five-star hospitality firsthand through an incredible partnership that elevated the entire trip.In this episode, Muhereza Kyamutetera sits down with Frankline Nyakundi, Kigali Serena Hotel manager to have a real conversation about:● What sets Serena apart from other hotels in the region● How they’ve maintained consistency across multiple countries● The level of service and attention to detail behind their brand● Why Serena continues to be a top choice for travelers, tourists, and business professionalsFrom seamless travel experiences powered by the I&M Brisk Mastercard to the comfort and class of Serena Hotels, this episode captures what it truly means to experience East Africa at its best.If you’re planning a trip, a staycation, or just exploring your options — this is why Serena deserves a spot at the top of your list.

    1h 19m

  7. May 4

    Francis Kamulegeya Unfiltered: Reinventing Yourself & Finding Purpose Beyond Boardroom Titles.

    In this powerful episode of LXL East Africa (League of Extraordinary Leaders), Muhereza Kyamutetera sits down with Francis Kamulegeya—former PwC Uganda Managing Partner and now board chairman, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist—for a deeply insightful conversation on leadership, purpose, and life beyond corporate success.From building a distinguished global career in tax and advisory to founding impactful ventures like Masaka School for the Deaf and Time to Play, Francis shares his journey of reinvention—from success to significance.This episode dives into:• Why retirement is a myth and what to do instead • The concept of “redeploying yourself” after corporate life • How to plan your life using the End Point Principle • The difference between success (self-focused) and significance (others-focused) • What makes an effective board member and leader • Why identity should never be tied to your job title • The power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and philanthropy Francis also reflects on his upbringing, global career journey, and the bold decisions that shaped his path—from the UK back to Uganda—offering practical wisdom for leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs at every stage.If you're thinking about career transitions, leadership, legacy, or impact, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Key Takeaway: “Don’t retire from something—retire to something. Better yet, don’t retire at all. Redeploy yourself.”

    1h 40m

  8. May 4

    Brisk Borderless Banking in East Africa: I&M Tanzania CEO Zahid Mustafa on Leadership & Growth

    Across East Africa, a new economic reality is emerging—one defined by borderless trade, rising mobility, and deeper regional integration. As businesses expand beyond national boundaries and individuals live and work across countries, the need for seamless, cross-border banking has never been greater.In this episode of Living Briskly in East Africa, CEO East Africa Magazine’s Executive Editor, Muhereza Kyamutetera, sits down with Zahid Mustafa, CEO of I&M Bank Tanzania, to unpack one of the region’s most compelling banking transformation stories.From navigating legacy challenges to building one of Tanzania’s fastest-evolving banks, Zahid shares how I&M Bank Tanzania has undergone a strategic turnaround anchored on four key pillars:📎 Fixing credit and risk fundamentals📎 Investing in people and leadership capability📎 Adopting a focused, differentiated business model📎 Leveraging digital lending to scale inclusionAt the heart of this transformation is I&M’s Brisk platform—a bold response to the realities of a borderless East African economy, enabling customers to transact, borrow, and grow seamlessly across markets.This conversation goes beyond banking. It is a masterclass in leadership, culture, and adaptability, drawing from Zahid’s 30-year career across global markets—from Citigroup to Barclays/Absa and now I&M.Key Topics Covered:📌 The turnaround journey of I&M Bank Tanzania📌 How digital lending is driving financial inclusion at scale📌 The rise of borderless banking in East Africa📌 Why regional integration is reshaping financial services📌 Leadership lessons from managing across cultures and markets📌 How to build high-performing teams in evolving economies📌 What the future of banking in Africa looks likeWhy This Matters: With intra-East African trade growing rapidly and millions of people operating across borders, financial institutions must evolve. I&M Bank is positioning itself as a regional partner for growth, supporting SMEs, corporates, and individuals in a fast-moving, interconnected economy.About the Series: #LivingBrisklyInEastAfrica explores how people, businesses, and institutions are adapting to a more integrated, opportunity-driven region—powered not only by financial innovation, but also by the hospitality, tourism, and physical infrastructure that enable movement, connection, and commerce across borders.📌 Subscribe for more conversations on: Business. Leadership. Strategy.Africa’s growth stories. #LivingBrisklyInEastAfrica #IMBank #IMBank #ZahidMustafa #BankingTransformation #BorderlessBanking #DigitalBanking #EastAfrica #FintechAfrica #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #CEOEastAfrica

    1h 11m
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