Africa continues to stand out as a compelling opportunity in the global landscape. Strong GDP growth forecasts, a powerful demographic dividend, and rising economic formalisation position the continent as a key growth frontier. In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, Africa’s importance is rising further, offering both rapidly growing consumer demand and essential supply‑side advantages, including critical minerals required for global industries. East Africa’s Rising Strategic Importance Within this evolving continental landscape, East Africa is becoming an increasingly prominent focal point due to its strategic geography, dynamic economies, and growing role in regional integration. Anchored by fast‑growing markets such as Kenya,…
Author: Khusoko
Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited has announced the appointment of Birju Sanghrajka as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Head of Coverage for Kenya, subject to regulatory approvals. He will succeed Kariuki Ngari, who retires on 16 April 2026 after a remarkable 24-year career with the Bank. Ngari, who became CEO in 2019, spearheaded a bold digital transformation strategy. Today, more than 90% of transactions across Wealth, Retail, and Corporate Banking are conducted digitally. His tenure also saw resilient financial performance, a shift in Wealth and Retail Banking towards a wealth-led model, and significant growth in Assets under…
FSD Kenya has announced the appointment of Rashmi Pillai as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2nd February 2026. Rashmi succeeds Tamara Cook, who exited on 22nd January to join the Office of the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health in New York. A New Chapter for Kenya’s Financial Sector Rashmi brings nearly two decades of experience driving financial sector transformation across Africa and South Asia. Her career spans leadership roles at FSD Uganda, Wave Mobile Money, CGAP at the World Bank, and UNCDF. She also founded India’s Sankalp Forum, the country’s first major impact investment platform, now…
Sidian Bank has rolled out its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Campaign in Meru County to improve access to clean water and promote hygiene awareness in schools and communities across the region. The initiative directly addresses the pressing need for safe water. As part of the campaign, the bank donated 10,000‑litre water tanks to several constituencies in partnership with local leaders and community structures. The tanks are expected to ease daily water challenges, strengthen household hygiene practices, and build healthier, more resilient communities. Speaking at the launch, Simon Mwangi, Head of Government and Institutional Banking at Sidian Bank, emphasized the…
Standard Chartered has appointed Dalu Ajene as Chief Executive Officer for its operations in Africa. He will also serve as Head of Coverage for Africa. Dalu previously served as CEO of Standard Chartered Nigeria, a role he assumed in April 2024. During his tenure, the bank met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation requirement of ₦200 billion for national commercial banks ahead of the March 2026 deadline. Before joining Standard Chartered, he was CEO of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria. Dalu has more than 25 years of experience in global financial services. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Dartmouth…
Safaricom has appointed Sylvia Anampiu as Director of Fixed Business, underscoring its push to transform Kenya’s broadband market with flexible, pay‑as‑you‑go fibre internet for homes and offices. The appointment comes as Safaricom prepares to shift fixed internet pricing away from rigid monthly plans to daily, weekly, and monthly bundles that mirror mobile data packages. The model is central to the company’s ambition to triple the size of Kenya’s fixed broadband market within five years. Leading Safaricom’s Fixed Broadband Strategy Anampiu, who assumed the role on January 5, will oversee strategy, growth, and profitability across Safaricom’s fixed broadband business, spanning home…