Col. (Rtd) Eugene Haguma

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Col. (Rtd) Eugene Haguma holds an MSc in Financial Management from the University of London and a BCom (Marketing) degree from Makerere University–Kampala. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a Certified Sustainable Investment Professional from John Molson Business School, Concordia University, Canada. Eugene has served in leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. He was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence in Rwanda from 2002 to 2005 before being posted as Defence Attaché to the Republic of South Africa from 2005 to 2010. He later joined Horizon Group Rwanda as CEO from 2010 until 2018. Eugene is currently serving as the CEO of Prime Insurance Limited in Rwanda.

Hannington Namara

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hannington Namara is the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda. He holds a degree in Business Administration (Finance option) from Makerere University Business School and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme from Strathmore Business School. He is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative–East Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He has over 19 years of experience in banking and Private Sector Development, with a strong track record in Strategic Leadership, Banking and Finance, Management and Communications. He has held senior leadership roles across reputable organizations including Trademark East Africa, Rwanda Private Sector Federation, Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR) and the Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA, now Rwanda Development Board). He also serves on several corporate and parastatal boards and is the current Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association.

BELINDA BWIZA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Belinda is a seasoned professional with over 16 years of experience across sectors including social enterprise, financial services, project management, business development, policy and retail. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is also a Certified Management Accountant and holds the Chartered Professional Accountant (CMA, CPA) designation. Belinda currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at One Acre Fund Rwanda.

Amb. George Kayonga

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amb. George holds a master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance. He is an Independent Trade and Development Consultant and a Member of the Advisory Council of One Acre Fund. With 16 years of experience in the Public Service, he has served as High Commissioner of Rwanda to Kenya, Non-Resident Ambassador to Somalia, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to UNEP and UN-HABITAT, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of East African Community and CEO of the National Agricultural Export Development Board. He also has 12 years of private-sector experience, managing his own supply-chain and logistics companies.

Andrew Rugege

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Eng. Andrew Rugege is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of national, regional and global experience in business strategy, project planning, risk management and enterprise-wide transformation. He has a strong track record of leading infrastructure improvements, fostering innovation and driving successful institutional performance. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK. He has extensive experience in Information Technology management and spent 10 years at the International Telecommunication Union (Addis Ababa) as Regional Director for Africa, representing the African Union and UNECA. Before retirement, he also served as Chief Operating Officer at MTN for five years and CEO at Airtel Communication SARL for three years.

CAMILLE KARAMAGA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Camille Karamaga holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands, an undergraduate degree in BCom from Makerere University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Administration from the Institute of Finance Management in Dar es Salaam. He is an accomplished executive with over 35 years of experience in economic development and financial governance. He has served as a governance and public financial management expert at the African Development Bank (AfDB), designing public sector operations including general and sector budget support programs, institutional support projects, technical assistance and training, as well as supporting the generation of knowledge products and portfolio management.

EMMANUEL MURAGIJIMANA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Emmanuel is a seasoned legal professional with over 20 years of experience in providing legal advice and ensuring organizational compliance. He has held a range of senior positions including Legal Officer at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Head Legal and Company Secretary at Ecobank Rwanda Limited and Advisor to the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in the Rwandan Parliament. With eight years of experience in the banking sector and extensive parliamentary experience, Emmanuel specializes in legal advisory, drafting, corporate governance, compliance, project finance and business restructuring. He currently serves as a Transaction and Corporate Lawyer at K-Solutions & Partners Law Firm, focusing on legal due diligence, project finance, corporate governance and organization restructuring.

JEAN-CLAUDE(JC) NKULIKIYIMFURA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jean Claude is an accomplished business professional with over two decades of experience in marketing, government and corporate communication. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Arkansas in the USA and an International Baccalaureate from Lycée Sainte Croix des Neiges in France. Recipient of the 2019 Global Impact Award, Jean Claude currently serves as the Executive Director at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), where he has led global partnerships and launched a USD 20 million endowment fund for sustainability. His previous roles include General Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi, Founder and Managing Partner of XL Com, and official representative for Draka Comteq and SIMED International. Before entering the corporate world, he served in communication roles within the Office of the President of Rwanda.

ARLETTE RWAKAZINA

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Arlette Rwakazina holds a Master of Science in Communications, Control and Digital Signal Processing from the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science in Electromechanical Engineering from the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology. She is a certified Digital Finance Practitioner from the Digital Frontiers Institute in collaboration with Tufts University. Arlette is passionate about Digital Finance, Financial Inclusion and Digital Transformation. She is currently the Country Lead of the Rwanda Economy Digitization Program – Cenfri, an initiative that supports the public and private sectors in advancing an inclusive digital economy. She previously served as General Manager of Cybersecurity and Strategic Integrations at the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), leading cybersecurity oversight, innovative technologies and big data initiatives. Prior to that, she worked at Ericsson as Senior Solution Architect and Business Analyst for Mobile Financial Services, designing commercially and technically viable mobile money solutions. She has also served as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Information Technology Committee at Cogebanque.

Iza Arame

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Iza holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Finance) from Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management. She is an ACCA Affiliate and a CFA Level II candidate. She is a distinguished finance and investment executive with extensive experience in corporate leadership, investment strategy, and financial management across Rwanda’s leading organizations. She currently serves as Chief Investment Officer at Crystal Ventures Limited, Rwanda’s largest investment company, where she leads the development and execution of group-wide investment strategies, oversees strategic planning, and advises on high-return opportunities, equity raising, and digital transformation initiatives. Previously, Iza served as Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Telecom Limited, a listed company holding a significant stake in MTN Rwanda, where she was responsible for regulatory compliance, financial reporting, and investor relations. She has also held the role of Chief Corporate Officer at Crystal Ventures Limited and was Chief Executive Officer of African Alliance Rwanda, a leading stockbroking and advisory firm. Earlier in her career, Iza worked as Finance Manager at Horizon Group and CDH Rwanda. She also held key roles in financial operations, accounting, and administration at the Office of the Prosecutor General and Helpage Rwanda, contributing to organizational planning, treasury management, and client advisory within Rwanda’s capital markets.

Hannington Namara

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Hannington Namara is the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda. He holds a degree in Business Administration (Finance option) from Makerere University Business School and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme from Strathmore Business School. He is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative–East Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He has over 19 years of experience in banking and Private Sector Development with extensive knowledge and a strong track record in Strategic Leadership, Banking and Finance, Management, and Communications. He has served in several leadership roles across reputable organizations including Trademark East Africa, Rwanda Private Sector Federation, Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR), and the Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA-now Rwanda Development Board). Hannington also holds various board responsibilities in corporates and parastatals. He is the current Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Rwanda Bankers’ Association.

DIANAH KWARISIIMA

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Diana is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in Education with 18 years of experience in the Banking Industry. Prior to joining Equity Bank in December 2022, she worked with I&M Bank for 16 years as a Training Officer, Employee Relations Manager and Head of HR. She additionally worked for Ecobank as Head of HR for a year from November 2021. Throughout her career in the Banking sector, Diana gained immense experience in HR Strategic Management.

JEAN PAUL NGABONZIZA

HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT

Jean Paul holds a degree in Business Administration–Accounting Sciences from the National University of Rwanda (now UR). He is ACCA certified, a member of The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR), and a member of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). He has over 12 years of experience in Audit, with 10 of those years spent in Internal Audit within the Banking Industry. He joined Equity Bank Rwanda Plc in April 2020 as Head of Internal Audit. He has previously worked for BPR Bank (an Atlas Mara subsidiary) for over 2.5 years as Senior Audit Manager; I&M Bank Rwanda Plc as Senior Internal Auditor for 7 years; and the Auditor General’s Office of Rwanda as Auditor of Public Business Enterprises for 2 years.

CAROLE KAREMA JENI

HEAD OF IT & BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Carole holds an MBA from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, an MIT from the University of Pretoria, a BCom Honors degree from the same university, and a BA from Adventist University of Central Africa. Having lived in different countries, Carole has gained a diverse range of experiences in Telecoms, Investments, Construction, Security Services, Building Materials, Insurance Brokerage, as well as in Food and Beverage and Agribusiness. She is fluent in English, French, Swahili and Kinyarwanda. Her IT acumen and leadership make her a valuable asset to any organization she serves. Carole is a passionate IT specialist with nearly 20 years of experience and has specialized as a Solution Architect who conceptualizes, designs and implements IT strategies and solutions that drive innovation, business efficiency and continuity in various operational areas. She has achieved automation of different business processes, enabling companies to focus on their core business and convert operations into profitable outcomes. She has also managed and delivered multiple IT projects that require the integration of various vendors and solutions aligned to IT standards and frameworks such as PMP, COBIT and ITIL. She is currently working on diverse digital innovation projects that encompass cybersecurity, mobility and data analytics. Carole enjoys reading, traveling and innovating, and actively participates in benevolent initiatives that support children and women. She is presently the Head of IT at Equity Bank Rwanda, where she oversees the bank’s digital transformation and leads various business projects. Prior to this, she served as Group IT Director of Crystal Ventures for eight years and previously worked as IT Project Manager and Solution Architect at MTN Rwanda. She also serves on several boards as a Non-Executive Director.

JEAN N. BIZIMUNGU

HEAD OF RISK

Bizimungu Jean Nepomuscene holds a bachelor’s degree in Monetary Economics from the Former National University of Rwanda and an international certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management in the United Kingdom (IRM). He is CAMS certified and ACCPA certified, and he holds a certificate for ICAAP and ILAAP simulation after completing the BIZENIUS ICAAP masterclass in May 2023. Bizimungu also holds a certificate of competence in Risk Management. He is a member of the Institute of Risk Management UK and a member of ACAMs. He has 12 years of experience in the banking industry, specifically in Risk and Compliance Management.

LOICE K. BAMWINE

DIRECTOR, SOCIAL IMPACT INVESTMENTS

Loyce K. Bamwine is the Director of Social Impact Investments at Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, where she leads initiatives that promote financial inclusion and empower underserved communities such as women, youth, refugees and persons with disabilities. With over 15 years of experience, she brings deep expertise in legal advisory, corporate governance and social impact strategy. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB-Hons) from the National University of Rwanda. Loyce is an Associate Chartered Arbitrator and has earned certifications in legal practice, corporate governance, banking and company directorship. Before taking on her current role, she served as Head of Legal at Equity Bank and held senior legal and governance roles at the Development Bank of Rwanda and the Rwanda Law Reform Commission. She is an active board member and governance leader, committed to driving sustainable growth and social development through inclusive financial solutions.

GASTON NSENGIMANA

HEAD OF TREASURY

Gaston holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Rwanda, formerly the School of Finance and Banking. He also holds an ACI Dealer Certificate and is a Certified Professional Banker from the School of Excellence in Nigeria. Prior to joining Equity Bank Rwanda Plc in October 2018, Gaston worked at Access Bank Rwanda Ltd for seven years in various positions, including serving as a member of the Treasury team from 2014 to October 2018 and working in Electronic Business and Operations from 2011 to 2013.

JOSEPH MUTUMA

HEAD OF FINANCE

Joseph holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Kenya) and a member of The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR), a Certified Investments and Financial Analysts professional, and a member of The Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA). Prior to joining Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, Joseph worked as a Senior Accountant at Equity Bank Kenya Limited, which he joined in 2009.

SYLVIO HABINEZA

HEAD OF COMPLIANCE

Sylvio Habineza is the Head of Compliance and has over 14 years of financial services experience, including 10 years in senior roles in Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Control. His expertise spans compliance, fraud, operations, credit, risk management, investigations and business processes. Prior to joining Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, he served as the Head of Compliance at Cogebanque Plc and previously worked as Acting Head of Conduct & Compliance and Compliance Advisor at Access Bank Rwanda. Sylvio holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the School of Finance and Banking (SFB). He is a Certified Banker from the Lagos School of Excellence, a Certified Compliance Professional by IABFM and has undertaken several professional trainings across various fields.

LILIOSE LARISSE NYINAWINKINDI

Head of Customer Experience

Liliose Larisse Nyinawinkindi is a transformative customer experience leader with over 18 years of cross-industry experience spanning banking, digital public services, and retail across both local and international markets. She currently serves as Head of Customer Experience at Equity Bank Rwanda, where she leads the bank’s customer experience strategy across physical and digital channels. Her work focuses on strengthening service culture, embedding customer insights into business operations, and driving the adoption of digital services across diverse customer segments. Prior to joining Equity Bank, Liliose held senior leadership roles at Irembo Ltd and KCB Bank Rwanda, and spent nearly a decade in the United States with CarMax, one of North America’s leading retailers. She holds a dual degree in Management Information Systems and Marketing from Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey, and is a certified Sales Coach and CXPA-trained Customer Experience Professional. Liliose’s leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. She is a strong advocate for inclusive service delivery and actively contributes to national and regional conversations on digital transformation and customer excellence.

MR. ERIC RUTABANA

Director, Commercial

Mr. Eric Rutabana is an accomplished business executive with over 20 years of experience in financial services and investment across Africa and the Middle East. He currently serves as Director, Commercial at Equity Bank Rwanda, where he leads the bank’s commercial strategy, revenue and balance sheet growth, market expansion, and customer engagement initiatives, driving inclusive finance and sustainable growth. Prior to his current role at Equity Bank, Eric held several senior leadership positions across manufacturing and financial services. He served as CEO of Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), where he led major institutional reforms and positioned the bank as a key driver of national development. He later served as Deputy Group CEO at Milbridge Group in Dubai, overseeing investments and operations across multiple sectors. Eric has also held senior roles in corporate banking, investment, and credit at BPR Bank, Business Partners SME Fund, KCB Bank Rwanda, and I&M Bank. He holds an MBA in Finance from Maastricht School of Management and a BBA from the University of Rwanda. He is recognized for his strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and strong commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable development.