Executive Committee Members
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AMB. TUVAKO MANONGI
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD – INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ambassador Tuvako Nathaniel Manongi, a distinguished figure, currently serves as the esteemed Board Chairman of UBA Tanzania. His appointment in May 2018 marked a significant milestone, succeeding Gen. Robert Mboma who had served as the pioneering board chairman from the bank’s inception in 2009 until 2018.
Ambassador Tuvako’s initial term concluded in May 2022, and his upcoming term will conclude in May 2026.
With a career deeply rooted in service to the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Manongi’s contributions have been both impactful and varied. Notably, he held the esteemed role of Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations (UN) until his retirement in 2016. His influence extended further as he assumed the position of Principal Officer within the executive office of the Secretary-General for the United Nations (UN) from 2007 to 2012.
Mr. Manongi’s career trajectory as a career diplomat and civil servant is marked by a series of distinguished roles. He has held high-ranking positions, including the Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania in New York from 2005 to 2007 and the role of Personal Assistant to President Benjamin Mkapa from 2002 to 2004. Furthermore, he demonstrated his legal prowess as the Counsellor (Legal) at the Permanent Mission from 1997 to 2001 and previously as the Second Secretary and then First Secretary of the United Republic of Tanzania Embassy in Washington, D.C., spanning from 1981 to 1987.
Mr. Manongi’s journey commenced in 1978 when he first joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Legal Officer. His academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Dar es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania. He further honed his knowledge through the Centre for Foreign Relations in Dar es Salaam and achieved a postgraduate degree in Maritime Administration from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden.
Ambassador Tuvako Nathaniel Manongi’s legacy of service and his academic accomplishments underscore his distinguished contributions to both diplomacy and governance.
MS. FARHIYA WARSAME
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ms. Farhiya Warsame assumed the esteemed role of Non-Executive Director at UBA Tanzania in March 2019, significantly enhancing the board’s leadership. Her first term concluded in March 2023, and she is poised to continue her valuable contributions until March 2027.
A seasoned professional, Ms. Warsame is also the Founder and Managing Director of Rashal Petroleum, a position she has held with distinction. With a robust banking background preceding her current ventures, she brings to the table over 8 years of valuable experience garnered from her tenure at two international banks.
Ms. Farhiya’s profile is not only that of a dynamic businesswoman but also a notable academician. Her engagement in these capacities has furnished her with a comprehensive understanding of investment, wholesale, and commercial banking. Furthermore, her adeptness extends to encompass project and corporate relationship management.
Her multifaceted experience, combined with her commitment to excellence, marks her as an influential figure in both the business and academic realms. As an Independent Non-Executive Director, Ms. Warsame Farhiya’s presence undoubtedly enriches the strategic direction and leadership of UBA – Tanzania.
MR. GBENGA MAKINDE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Mr. Gbenga Makinde presently serves as the Managing Director/CEO of UBA Tanzania, a notable subsidiary operating under the umbrella of the United Bank for Africa (Plc).
Mr. Gbenga was appointed to assume his role in January 2022. His initial term is set to conclude in January 2026, with his upcoming term extending until January 2030.
Fondly referred to as GMak, Mr. Gbenga boasts an extensive career within the banking industry, spanning over two decades, during which he has steered pivotal departments with remarkable finesse.
Preceding his esteemed role as MD/CEO of UBA Tanzania, he held the same position at UBA Benin, where his tenure was marked by a multitude of notable achievements across varying time frames. Prior to his tenure at UBA Plc, Mr. Makinde showcased his talents in a series of managerial capacities and positions, garnering experience from Metropolitan Bank Limited, Equatorial Trust Bank Limited, and Access Bank Plc.
Mr. Makinde’s approach is distinctly people-centric, and his dedication to refining his communication skills has enabled him to effectively engage with diverse target audiences and stakeholders, thereby propelling business growth to new heights.
MR. ALEX UGOCHINYERE ALOZIE
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Alex joined United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 2019 and has held various positions within the organization. He became an Executive Director at UBA Group in 2022, assumed the role of Group Chief Operating Officer in 2023, and was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of UBA (Tanzania) Limited in June 2024.
With over two decades of experience in the banking industry, Mr. Alex has extensive expertise in digital and centralized operations, information technology, corporate communication, corporate services, human resources, and brand marketing.
Before joining UBA, Mr. Alex worked with National Youth Service Corps, Gulf Bank, Diamond Bank Plc, and Access Bank Plc.
Among his notable achievements, Mr. Alex was commended by the Central Bank of Nigeria for his contribution to the introduction of the cashless initiative. He also received an award for his active participation in the implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in Nigeria, which provides a unique identity for each customer of Nigerian banks through biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice, and retinal scans.
MR. FRANKLIN EDEMA EREBOR
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Franklin joined United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 2008 and currently serves as the Acting Chairman of UBA Mozambique since 2022. He was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in July 2024.
With over twenty-eight years of experience in the banking industry, Mr. Franklin has extensive expertise in infrastructure financing, financial institutions, treasury, and structured finance across the entire energy value chain, including upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
Before joining UBA, Mr. Franklin held positions at several other banks, including First Bank of Nigeria PLC, First City Merchant Bank Limited, Zenith International Bank Limited, Diamond Bank Limited, and Chartered Bank Limited.
Among his notable achievements, Mr. Franklin won The Banker’s Magazine of London award for Cote D’Ivoire in 2014. As the Director of Energy Bank, he significantly increased revenues by 150% in one year, reaching 11.75 billion naira.
MR. ADELEKE ADEYEMI
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Adeleke joined United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 2008 and currently serves as the Regional Chief Executive Officer for East and Southern Africa since January 2024. He was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in July 2024.
With over twenty-five years of experience in the banking industry, Mr. Adeleke has extensive expertise in financial services and credit, financial analysis and control, treasury, asset and liability management, and enterprise risk management.
Before joining UBA, Mr. Adeleke worked at various banks including Mainstreet Bank Limited, Assurance Bank Nigeria Limited, Citizens International Bank Limited, and Crystal Bank of Africa Limited. He also has experience in non-banking industries, having worked with Havies Training & Consulting Limited, Financial Data House Limited, KAAL Associates Limited, Articulate Consultancy, and KPMG Peat Marwick Ani Ogunde & Company.
Among his notable achievements, Mr. Adeleke successfully engaged Tanzania Securities Limited to create synergies for revitalizing the Tanzanian financial intermediation sector. Additionally, he has promoted the export of goods and services between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African market, laying the foundation for impactful economic cooperation.
MR. MARTIN JONAS MMARI
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Martin Jonas Mmari is a distinguished figure, currently serving as a Tanzania Partner and CEO of Digitian Global Consulting, where his strategic insights and leadership skills shine brightly. His influential role as a Non-Executive Director of UBA Tanzania commenced in October 2019, further amplifying his impact.
Mr. Mmari’s initial tenure is scheduled to end in September 2023, and he will continue his service until September 2027 during his forthcoming term.
His journey to the UBA Tanzania Board is underlined by a rich history of strategic leadership. Notably, he assumed the Director of Finance position at PPF Pension Fund from 2002 to 2018. In this capacity, he skillfully represented the fund, leaving his mark as a valuable board member for CRDB Bank Ltd from 2001 to 2016. Such was his proficiency that he ascended to the esteemed role of Chairman of the Board of Directors for CRDB Bank Ltd from 2004 to 2016. Earlier in his trajectory, he also made significant contributions as the Head of Financial Reporting & Investments and took on the role of Acting Director of Finance at PPF Pension Fund in 2001.
His foundational years were marked by his service as the Bank Examiner at the Bank of Tanzania, from 1991 to 2000, an experience that laid the groundwork for his distinguished career trajectory.
Mr. Mmari’s multifaceted journey underscores his strategic prowess and profound influence. His diverse roles in both the financial and consulting sectors highlight his adaptability and leadership abilities, making him a valuable asset to UBA Tanzania.
MR. HERI BOMANI
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Heri Bomani currently occupies two pivotal roles, serving as the Founder & Director of MLC Properties and the Founder & Managing Director of Pangani Group, where his visionary leadership has significantly impacted the landscape. His role as a Non-Executive Director at UBA Tanzania, appointed in October 2020, underscores his strategic influence.
Mr. Bomani’s initial term is scheduled to conclude in September 2024, with his upcoming term set to end in September 2028.
His extensive portfolio also encompasses positions as the Executive Director of Pangani Real Estate Services Limited, a role he assumed in 2013, and as the Managing Director of Pangani Advisory Limited since 2011.
Mr. Heri’s career journey has been marked by various distinguished executive roles. Notably, he served as the Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Commercial Bank Tanzania Limited from 2006 to 2010. His leadership prowess further shone in his role as the Executive Director, Consumer Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania Limited from 2000 to 2006. During this tenure, he left an indelible mark as a Member of the Board of Directors for Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania Limited and as a key figure in the Consumer Banking Africa & Middle East/South Asia Leadership Team.
Mr. Heri’s expertise is multifaceted, encompassing investment banking, wholesale and commercial banking, project management, fund management, and public-sector relationship management. His contributions during his tenure at Standard Chartered Bank Tanzania Limited are commendable.
His proactive approach led to industry recognition, including being voted the leading employer in Tanzania by the Association of Tanzania Employers and receiving the Banker of the Year Award for 2005 by EuroMoney and the Financial Times. His strategic guidance led to remarkable financial growth, significantly boosting revenue from USD 3.1M in 2001 to USD 12.9M in 2005, and witnessing a substantial increase in the deposit base from TZS 44B in 2001 to TZS 133B in 2005.
Mr. Heri’s educational foundation includes a BSc in Economics in Banking and Finance from the University of Wales, College of Cardiff, underscoring his academic prowess.
His multifaceted career and visionary leadership make him an invaluable asset to UBA Tanzania.