The fifth CFO and Public Finance Awards, held in Accra, Ghana, brought together a distinguished group of financial leaders and institutions from across Africa. The event, themed “Future Trends: The Next Wave of Sustainable Finance Innovation,” was organized by InstinctWave, an ISO-certified B2B event and media and digital consultancy firm with a track record in hosting premium events across Africa. The awards ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of financial leaders, including chief directors, finance directors, accountant generals, treasury heads, audit and compliance experts, tax officials, and risk management professionals. The recognition was extended to public and corporate finance professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing financial governance and driving positive change within the public and private sectors.
Top Woman in Finance Award
The MoF’s Chief Director, Eva Esselba Mends, was celebrated as the Public Finance Woman of the Year for her leader role at the finance ministry over the past two decades as a technocrat. Her recognition reflects a growing emphasis on innovation, transparency, and impact in public and corporate finance across Africa.
- More women are taking on leadership roles in the finance sector, with a growing recognition of their skills and contributions to financial governance.
- The award highlights the importance of women in finance, particularly in their ability to drive positive change and drive innovation.
Public Sector Finance Leader of the Year Award
The Accountant General of the United Republic of Tanzania, Leonard Mkude, was honoured with the distinguished Public Sector Finance Leader of the Year Award. His recognition highlights the crucial role that public sector finance leaders play in driving financial governance and accountability in their respective countries.
- The Public Sector Finance Leader of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of public sector finance leaders in driving financial governance and accountability.
- The award is given to recognize the leadership and vision that public sector finance leaders bring to their roles, shaping the future of financial governance in their countries.
Outstanding Leadership in Banking Award
John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), received the Outstanding Leadership in Banking Award. The recognition highlights the importance of effective leadership in the banking sector, driving innovation and growth.
“We are proud to recognize John Awuah’s outstanding leadership in the banking sector, and we look forward to seeing the impact that his leadership will have on the future of finance in Ghana.”
Institutional Honours
Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) were among the standout institutions from across the continent honoured at the 2025 CFO and Public Finance Awards.
| Institution | Award |
|---|---|
| StanChart | Best Bank Financing Community Impact Initiatives, Best Bank in Investment and Wealth Management |
| GEPA | Export Trade Facilitator Provider of the Year |
| GWL | Public Utility of the Year, Financial Transparency Award |
Other Winners
The CFO & Public Finance Conference also honoured other financial leaders across the continent, including Adefemi Ogundele, CFO at First Pension Custodian in Nigeria; Stevens Mwanje, CFO of Uganda’s National Social Security Fund; Ashish Khemka, Director of Finance and Operations at Lagos Free Zone; Tamsir Sallah, Director of Finance at the Gambia Ports Authority; Henry Agyeman Boateng, Director of Finance at GIFEC; and Albert Larweh Asante, CFO and Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank Ghana. The two-day event, themed “Future Trends: The Next Wave of Sustainable Finance Innovation,” was an opportunity for financial leaders to come together and share their experiences, expertise, and best practices in driving financial innovation and sustainability. The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for financial leaders to engage with the latest trends and ideas in sustainable finance. The recognition of these financial leaders and institutions reflects a growing emphasis on innovation, transparency, and impact in public and corporate finance across Africa. The event highlights the importance of financial governance and accountability in driving positive change within the public and private sectors.