#ACTAF18: treasury highlights from Kenya | The Association of Corporate Treasurers

#ACTAF18: treasury highlights from Kenya

Go back 07 March 2018 jbates@treasurers.org

With an abundance of new technologies, a shifting political and economic landscape and new ways of working, the environment in which we are working in East Africa is changing rapidly.

With the influence of the treasury community growing in scope, the challenge of the ACT East Africa Treasury Forum was to answer how we can maximise our impact, value and efficiency in this setting – a challenge which was met with overwhelming positivity on 7 February when over 100 treasury, finance and risk professionals met in Nairobi.

Highlights 

  • an informative opening keynote from Ignatius Chica from Citi. With the overall macroeconomic outlook looking positive, growth is likely to bounce back in 2018
  • Sameer Africa and Transcentury shared experience on building optimised cash management: technology is key
  • British American Tobacco, M-KOPA Solar, ActionAid International and Nairobi Securities Exchange shared their views on working with banks to meet changing needs – and relationships
  •  Clare Dawson, Chief Executive of the Loan Market Association, explained there is no clear alternative to LIBOR yet…but engagement with all market participants is ongoing
  • an interesting debate with Citi and Trade Development Bank. The key to successful treasury risk management is regular assessment, especially in turbulent times!
  • Standard Chartered Bank, PwC, Kenya Railways and Capital Tool discussed innovation and technology trends. The key finding: exponential growth with digital technologies is finance
  • discussions on the future growth, evolution and influence of treasury in East Africa with Bamburi Cement, the Association of Corporate Treasurers, Kilya Capital and Stanbic Bank: qualifications are key!

 


Here’s what the audience had to say:

“A very well organised conference, interesting topics, an interactive audience and adequate time for networking. It’s time to take corporate treasury in Kenya and East Africa to the next level. Already looking forward to the next one!”
Janet Gathere, Treasury Manager, British American Tobacco

“A one-of-a kind forum offering a wholesome discussion on treasury disciplines in the region, topped with boundless fun and a priceless networking opportunity”
Antony Kambiriri, Finance Manager, Transcentury

And a word from our conference chair:

"The high attendance and positive feedback following the ACT East Africa Treasury Forum 2018 shows the keen interest in East Africa for the treasury profession.

Unsurprisingly, the common themes of cash visibility, control and technology were the main topics for discussion throughout the event. Investment in treasury technology for cash management and financial risk management appears to be the next logical step for corporate treasury functions.

It is encouraging to see the passion and drive shown by the speakers, panel members and delegates to progress the profession in the region. With treasury chapters being established in both Kenya and Uganda, it promises a great future for the profession in East Africa.”
Chris van Dijl, Managing Director, Cugavadi

We’re looking forward to growing and further enabling the treasury community in the region. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions on how the ACT can help you take your treasury team and career to the next level, make sure to get in touch!


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