Dr. Florens Martin Turuka

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Dr. Turuka holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Justus-Liebig-University, Germany, a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Reading, UK, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania. His academic rigor is complemented by certifications in public administration, leadership, and governance. He is a seasoned agricultural economist and public servant with over 30 years of leadership experience in academia, national development, and transformative policy implementation. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food and Agriculture Delivery Council. He previously served as a Senior Lecturer at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, where he continues to shape future leaders in agricultural economics and policy. Earlier in his career, Dr. Turuka laid the foundation for his expertise in policy and institutional development through advisory roles in agricultural finance and rural development programs. His leadership extends to corporate governance, where he has chaired high-impact boards.
He has served as Permanent Secretary in key Tanzanian ministries, including the Ministry of Defence and National Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Dr. Turuka brings invaluable expertise in governance and national development

Isabela Maganga

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Isabela is a career banker with over fifteen years of experience. She is the MD, Equity Bank (Tanzania) Limited and previously led Commercial department, overseeing retail and business banking, branch network, corporate banking and bancassurance functions. ​
Her experience includes Business development, Strategic planning, Mentorship and Governance in different financial institutions in Tanzania. SME banking and Agribusiness financing are the areas of specialization having worked on SME and Agribusiness finance in various commercial banks. She joined Equity in January 2020 and before then she worked as Manager Business Development, Manager Agribusiness and Senior Manager SME and Agribusiness at CRDB Bank PLC. Isabela holds a Master of Science in Finance and Investments from Coventry University, a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. She also holds a High Diploma in Banking from Milpark Business School. Certified Expert on SME Finance from Frankfurt Business school. Prior to her appointment, Isabela Maganga was the Head of Commercial at the Bank.

Bakari S. Machumu

Non-Executive Director

Mr. Machumu holds an Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation from the Aga Khan University and an MBA from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture General from the Sokoine University of Agriculture.

He is a seasoned media personality and business leader with over 27 years of experience in journalism and media leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of BSM Washauri (TZ) Ltd., a company focused on leadership training.

His leadership roles include serving as the Executive Editor and CEO of Mwananchi Communications Ltd., as well as the Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Editors’ Forum.

Unguu R. Sulay

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Sulay holds a Master of Science in Accounting & Finance from Mzumbe University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA - UK). He brings over 15 years of experience in global manufacturing operations, risk management, and business strategy.

Mr. Sulay is currently the Group CEO of Aria Tanzania Group and has held various senior roles, including Managing Director at Coca-Cola Kwanza and Chief Financial Officer at Plasco Limited and Tanga Cement. He is a recognized leader in sustainability, governance, and corporate responsibility.

Mr. Geoffrey Kirenga

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Kirenga holds a Master of Science degree and a BSc from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.

An accomplished professional with extensive experience in East African agricultural value chains, Mr. Kirenga is recognized as a highly experienced agricultural expert with over 25 years of leadership in Tanzania's agriculture sector. Since 2013, he has served as the CEO of the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).Under his strategic leadership as CEO of SAGCOT, Mr. Kirenga has been instrumental in facilitating $1.3 billion in investments aimed at supporting agribusinesses and smallholder farmers. Prior to this role, he held prominent positions within the public sector, specifically the Ministry of Agriculture. His public service includes being the Director of Crop Development Division and the Assistant Director – National Extension Service, and Assistant Director - Crop Promotion Services. His leadership has allowed him to ascend to executive positions where he has made significant contributions that positively impact the country’s agricultural policies and practices. Furthermore, Mr. Kirenga contributes to several keyboards and councils, including the Presidential Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food Security, the Core Team of Experts for the Formulation of Vision 2050,and NorgesVel Tanzania – an NGO focused on agriculture development.

EVELYN RUTAGWENDA

Non-Executive Director

Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University, Kampala. She is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR). She previously worked as the Auditor General for the Republic of Rwanda; as the Secretary-General of Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI); consultant/project accountant for Decentralization Secretariat (Institutional Capacity Building Project); Ministry of Local Government, Uganda and also as Chief Auditor at UCA Auditing Services among others. Evelyn spearheaded the formation of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) and subsequently served the Institute in various capacities including, Chairperson of the Interim Governing Council, Ex Officio and elected member of the Governing Council. In 2009, she received an ACCA Achievements Award for her outstanding contribution to developing the accountancy and finance profession.

She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Equity Bank Tanzania Limited and Vice Chair Rwanda Development Board. In 2021, she completed her terms as Chair of the Boards of Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, MTN Rwanda and Crystal Telecom Limited, and previously served on the Boards of Equity Group Holdings PLC, Equity Bank Uganda Limited, Total Uganda Limited and Victoria Motors Rwanda Limited.

DR. AGGREY MLIMUKA

Non-Executive Director

Dr. Mlimuka holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree, LL.B (Hons) from the University of Dar es Salaam and Masters in Law (LL.M) from the same University. Additionally, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Organisation for Development from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. He has an LL.M (magna cum laude) and Doctor Juris (magna cum laude) both from the University of Hamburg. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania since December 1989. He is a member of the Tanganyika Law Society and the East African Law Society.

He has worked as a Journalist at Shirika la Magazeti ya Chama Ltd. Publishers of Uhuru/Mzalendo Newspapers, State Attorney at the Tanzania Attorney General Chambers, Tutorial Assistant, Assistant lecturer, lecturer and eventually as a senior lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam Faculty of Law. Dr. Mlimuka has also served as the National Project Coordinator, ILO/Strengthening Labour Relations in East Africa (SLAREA) in Tanzania. The Project dealt with labour law reform in East Africa and the strengthening of the capacities of social partners. In addition to coordinating project activities in Tanzania, he frequently oversaw regional project activities in the absence of the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA). He held the position of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) where he retired in 2021. He is a member of the Labour, Economic and Social Council (LESCO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chairman of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Public Servants Social Security Fund (PSSSF).

Dr. Mlimuka is also the author of the book titled ‘The Eastern African States and the Exclusive Economic Zone: The Case of EEZ Proclamations, Maritime Boundaries and Fisheries’ as well as several articles in various journals.

JOHN WILSON

Non-Executive Director

John is a graduate of the Swedish Military Academy and holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Uppsala University and a Master of Public Affairs from Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. John began his career at McKinsey & Co in Europe and the former and infrastructure companies. He then joined the World Bank Private Sector Development Department working on privatization in Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Russia and Ukraine, and was thereafter seconded to the IFC Global Capital Markets Department. Returning to his native Sweden, John built the Export & Project Finance department at Swedbank, and then headed up Structured Finance, Equity Capital Markets, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy. In 2006, he joined Kaupthing Bank as Head of Investment Banking and then returned to IFC in 2008. Prior to joining Equity Group in August 2019 as Group Chief Operating Officer, and subsequently Group Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, John was a Manager in the financial sector in Sub-Saharan Africa for IFC. Before that, he was responsible for IFC’s banking experts and risk management advisory services as global Head of Banking, and before that a Principal Banking Specialist covering sub-Saharan Africa, stationed in Nairobi since 2008.

Sara Ezra Teri

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sara holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Policy and Management, the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (with minors in Women’s Studies, and Global Studies) from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, USA.

With over 18 years of experience, Sara is a senior management and certified board executive. She currently serves as the Co-Founder & Managing Director of Sustainable Africa Company Ltd in Dar es Salaam. Previously, she held several senior positions including Advisor, Social Performance, at Tembo Nickel Corporation Limited in Dar es Salaam, Programs Director and Interim Executive Director at MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation in Arusha and earlier working as a Community Relations Practitioner for African Barrick Gold / Acacia Mining in Tanzania.

Sara specializes in spearheading multimillion-dollar development investments in both the private and non-profit sectors. Her strategic approach leverages various frameworks, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Investment (CSI), Human Rights, Sustainability, and gender-sensitive approaches. Through her work, she aims to deliver inclusive, economically and socially sound impact at the community level, while simultaneously providing triple-bottom-line value for corporations. Sara also contributes her expertise as a board member for Girls Livelihood and Mentorship Initiative in Arusha and Tanzania Bora Initiative in Dar es Salaam.

PROSPER NAMBAYA

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Prosper Nambaya is an accomplished banker with about 26 years of experience in the banking industry. He currently serves as Commercial Director at Equity Bank Tanzania Limited, where he leads the bank’s commercial activities, driving balance sheet growth, profitability, and managing key client relationships. He works closely with senior management and the Board of Directors to ensure commercial strategies align with the bank’s overall objectives.

Prosper has held several senior leadership positions, including Director of Corporate Banking as well as Head of Large Local Corporates, Corporate and Investment Banking at CRDB Bank. He is recognized for his expertise in sustainable finance and is a certified Expert in Sustainable Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Germany. He is also an active member of the Institute of Directors, Tanzania, contributing to governance and strategic leadership in the sector.

Prosper has held several senior leadership positions, including Director of Corporate Banking as well as Head of Large Local Corporates, Corporate and Investment Banking at CRDB Bank. He is recognized for his expertise in sustainable finance and is a certified Expert in Sustainable Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Germany. He is also an active member of the Institute of Directors, Tanzania, contributing to governance and strategic leadership in the sector.

Prosper holds an MSc in Business Management from the University of Central England and a BA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also holds a Certificate in Advanced Commercial Lending (Credit Skills Development) from the London Institute of Banking & Finance and completed the Diploma Stage of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), reflecting his strong academic and professional foundation in finance and management.

Isabela Maganga

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Isabela is a career banker with over fifteen years of experience. She holds a Master of Science in Finance and Investments from Coventry University, a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture. She also holds a High Diploma in Banking from Milpark Business School. Certified Expert on SME Finance from Frankfurt Business school. Prior to her appointment, Isabela Maganga was the Head of Commercial at the Bank.

Rojas Peter Mdoe

GENERAL MANAGER, BANKING OPERATIONS

Rojas Mdoe is a strategic, results-driven operations and finance professional with over 15 years of experience in bank operations, risk management, and information technology across Tanzania. He is currently the General Manager – Bank Operations at Equity Bank Tanzania Limited, overseeing banking operations, business excellence, ICT as well as Facilities and Procurement.

Rojas has built a distinguished banking career through senior leadership roles including Head of Risk as well as Head of Operations and Technology at KCB Bank Tanzania. He has also held other roles such as Risk Manager at Bank of Baroda Tanzania and Senior Credit Analyst at Exim Bank Tanzania.

At Equity Bank Tanzania, he has spearheaded significant transformations in banking operations, processes, controls, and IT projects, driving operational excellence and enhanced customer experience. He is a member of the Credit Executive Committee (Credit Exco) and a senior member of management, with strong expertise in credit quality assurance, legal services, and credit operations.

Rojas is a Certified Professional Banker registered with the Tanzania Institute of Bankers who holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance from Mzumbe University and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also holds a Diploma in Risk Management from KPMG Sweden.

Mjabwa Hanzuruni

HEAD OF RISK

Mjabwa holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Mzumbe University. He brings on board vast experience in SME and risk management, having served in the banking industry for 15 years. Prior to his appointment, he worked as a consultant in financial management and investigations and previously, the Head of Risk at Bank of Africa (BOA), Tanzania.

Stewart Mujungu

HEAD OF CREDIT

Stewart holds a Bachelor’s degree of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam’(UDSM). He is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) under the National Board of Accountants & Auditors (NBAA) and a Certified Professional Banker (CPB) under the Tanzania Institute of Bankers (TIOB). He brings on board vast experience in credit evaluation, assessment and decision making, having served in the banking industry for 16 years. Prior to his appointment, he was the Head of SME Credit at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC). Tanzania.

Leynnette Machibya

Head of Compliance

Leynnette holds a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in Accounting- Monroe College, New Rochelle, NY -USA, MBA in Business Management- Monroe College, New Rochelle, NY-USA. She has more than 15 years of experience in Risk Management and capacity building. Worked as Associate Audit at KPMG LLP, New York, USA, Associate Audit at KPMG LLP, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Operational Risk Manager at National Bank of Commerce (NBC), Tanzania, Head of Risk and Compliance at Akiba Commercial Bank Plc, Tanzania, Head of Risk and Compliance (2019 to 2022) and as Head of Compliance from 2023 in Equity Bank, Tanzania.

Julius Kwigeza

HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT

Julius is a distinguished graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) in accounting with Honors. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), registered with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA). Julius brings over 10 years of extensive experience with a background that combines strong academic foundations and professional certifications. His tenure as an Audit Senior at KPMG, Tanzania and Senior Manager in Internal Audit at Absa Bank, Tanzania, showcases his commitment to financial oversight and risk management.

Mgisha Mboneko

HEAD OF LEGAL

Mgisha is a registered and practising advocate and notary public of the High Court of Tanzania and all courts below since 2008. Mgisha holds a Bachelor’s degree of Laws and a Master’s degree in Taxation Laws both from the University of Dar es salaam (UDSM). He joined the Bank in June, 2023, before joining the Bank he was a Manager of Legal Service at CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania, where he worked for ten years. Prior to CRDB Bank Plc, Tanzania, he was a State Attorney at the Attorney General’s Chambers where he worked for five years. Currently he is the Head of Legal Service at Equity Bank, Tanzania.

Jacob Mbwele

HEAD OF TREASURY

Jacob holds a Master of Science in Finance and Investment from Durham University (UK) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Corporate Finance from the University of Dar es Salaam. He is certified by the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) as an investment analyst and holds Associate (ACSI) membership with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). He is also qualified with an ACI Dealing Certificate from ACI FMA.

He has extensive experience and expertise in trading and risk management, with a strong track record in developing and executing trading strategies across foreign exchange, interest rate derivatives, fixed income instruments, and structured product solutions. His competencies also include treasury execution and asset and liability management.

Prior to his current appointment, Jacob served as Head of Trading at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in Tanzania

Martha Kimweri

Head of Human Resources

Martha is a seasoned human resources professional with over 14 years of experience in HR strategy and people leadership. She currently serves as Head of Human Resources at Equity Bank Tanzania Limited, where she plays a transformative role in shaping organizational culture, enhancing employee engagement, and driving productivity and operational efficiency. .

Martha brings extensive expertise in talent management, organizational development, performance management, and cultural transformation. Throughout her career, she has been widely recognized for leading initiatives that enhance employee engagement, drive operational excellence, and implement impactful HR strategies. Prior to joining Equity Bank Tanzania, she held senior HR roles such as Head of Human Resources at I&M Bank Tanzania and Head of HR Business Partner at CRDB Bank, and most recently served as Head of Human Resources at NCBA Bank Tanzania. .

Martha is a certified Change Practitioner who holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Tumaini University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Mzumbe University. Her strong technical foundation and professional credentials support her effectiveness in leading people-focused transformation and organizational growth.

JOSEPH LYUBA

HEAD OF FINANCE

Joseph is a seasoned banking professional with 13 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently serves as Head of Finance at Equity Bank Tanzania Limited, where he oversees the bank’s financial management, risk mitigation, and strategic planning activities.

Joseph brings multifaceted experience across Credit, Treasury and Markets Risk, and Finance, having served in various roles within these functions across two banks. He has built a strong reputation as a versatile professional with deep expertise in financial management, risk mitigation, and strategic planning, contributing effectively to sound decision-making and sustainable business growth. He has previously held senior positions including Head of Business Finance and Statutory Reporting at National Bank of Commerce, Head of Market Risk, Capital and Liquidity, and Head of Credit Risk at NBC Bank.

Joseph is a Certified Public Accountant registered with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has further strengthened his leadership capabilities through advanced leadership programs, including the Global Management Fundamentals (GMF) program at IMD Business School in Switzerland, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and strategic leadership.