Who We Are

Fumbi Chima, a Nigerian-American technology executive, consultant, and speaker, was born on June 8 in Lagos, Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Central State University and a Master's degree in Information Technology from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Chima began her career in technology in the late 1980s, working in various roles for notable companies such as IBM, Walt Disney World, and American Airlines. Subsequently, she assumed the position of Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) at several companies including Walmart Asia, Fox Networks Group, and Burberry.

In 2018, Fumbi Chima established Fumbi Advisory Services, a technology consulting firm offering advisory services to companies in the areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, and information technology strategy. She is also a highly sought-after speaker on technology and innovation, having graced several conferences such as the Forbes CIO Summit and the Women in Technology International Summit.

Dr. Chima serves as a Non-Executive Director and board member at Africa Prudential Plc, a Share Registration Services and Digital Technology solutions provider based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is also a board member at Global Sources, The Azek Company Chicago, a manufacturer of residential and commercial building products, Ted Baker plc, a British luxury clothing company,Whitbread plc, a British hospitality company and Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where she currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer since 2020. Furthermore, she sits on the board of Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU), a not-for-profit financial cooperative. As a member of the United Nations Digital Task Force, Dr. Chima contributes to addressing the digital economy in Asia.

In addition to her numerous professional responsibilities, Dr. Chima serves in several volunteer leadership roles such as the Duke of Edinburgh Program and STEM Innovation Task Force. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum and the Executive Leadership Council, as well as serving on the board of the World Affairs Council.

Uzo Oshogwe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Afriland Properties Plc, a leading property management, investment and development company with a portfolio size of over N10 billion.

Uzo is responsible for implementing strategic plans, driving organizational success, providing guidance and direction to the board to ensure that the Company achieves its financial vision, mission and long-term goals.

Before joining Afriland Properties, Uzo held leadership/leadership positions in the following organizations UBA PLC, Ford Motors UK, J. Sainsbury’s UK and Accenture UK.

Uzo holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, a Master’s of Science in Information Systems Design from the University of Westminster, London and a professional certificate in Real Estate Management from Harvard Business School, USA. She is an RICS accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. She attended the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at Lagos Business School/INSEAD.

Chiugo Ndubisi is a highly accomplished financial services professional who brings over 25 years of experience in the banking sector. As an executive director at Heirs Holdings, a leading pan- African investment company, he plays a pivotal role in driving growth across the organization's investment portfolio.

Before joining Heirs Holdings, Chiugo served as an executive director at the United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA). In this capacity, he oversaw Treasury and International Banking, demonstrating his expertise in managing diverse financial operations. Additionally, Chiugo held leadership responsibilities for UBA's international subsidiaries, including UBA America, UBA UK, UBA France, and UBA Dubai.

Throughout his career, Chiugo has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the financial landscape and a strategic approach to achieving growth and success. His valuable insights and experience contribute to the development and implementation of effective investment strategies at Heirs Holdings.

As an esteemed member of the board, Chiugo Ndubisi plays an instrumental role in guiding the organization towards continued success. His track record of exceptional leadership and expertise in financial management make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Samuel Nwanze, a distinguished African Private Equity professional is an Executive Director and currently the Chief Finance Officer at Heirs Energies. Prior to this, he was the Chief Investment Officer at Heirs Energies’ parent company Heirs Holdings, a renowned investment company that specialises in long-term investments across the African continent.

Throughout his career in financial services, Samuel has held various key positions, including Group Treasurer, Head of Strategy & Performance Management, Chief Financial Officer, and Head of Corporate Execution. He has demonstrated exceptional expertise in these roles, successfully leading numerous local, regional, and international deals and projects.

During his stint as the CIO of Heirs Holdings, Samuel played a pivotal role in originating and executing landmark investments and private equity deals that have garnered global recognition. His impressive portfolio encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including Oil & Gas, Power, Agriculture, Real Estate, Hospitality, Healthcare, Technology, Financial Services, and Impact Investing. Notably, Samuel has been instrumental in the transformation of a struggling bank, spearheading its turnaround and positioning it as a key player in the Nigerian financial landscape. While his primary focus has been on African markets, Samuel has also been involved in projects spanning the United States, United Kingdom, and India. His global experience has enriched his understanding of international business dynamics and enabled him to navigate diverse market environments with great proficiency.

With his extensive knowledge, astute deal-making abilities, and commitment to driving sustainable investments, Samuel Nwanze continues to make a significant impact in the private equity landscape and contribute to the growth and development of businesses across Africa and beyond.

Anant Rao is an accomplished Financial Services Professional with 28 years of experience across diverse functions in the banking industry. Currently serving as the Group Head, Consumer Lending at the United Bank For Africa (UBA), and previously at various leadership positions since joining the bank in 2008, he has also worked across all continents and has a proven track record in banking products, processes, and geographies.

As a strategic, innovative, and results-oriented leader, Rao has demonstrated his ability to combine dynamic leadership with the tactical application of world-class business, finance, and technology strategy. He is skilled in planning and executing delivery in a well-controlled risk and control environment.

Rao has also displayed exceptional leadership and people management skills and a remarkable adaptability to work in diverse environments, exhibiting a steep learning curve. As a strategic thinker, leader, professional coach, and mentor, he has built large teams and delivered large-scale operations, technology, and digital transformation programs.

Moreover, Rao is dedicated to building and leading multicultural, geographically dispersed teams that surpass corporate expectations. He has the ability to work seamlessly and thrive in large matrix management organizations.

Obong is the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential Plc, charged with driving the Company's digital transformation agenda, which has seen the Company evolve its traditional Registrar business and expand into digital technology offerings including the development and implementation of business solutions across the financial, hospitality, transportation, cooperative, ecommerce sector, etc.

Prior to joining Africa Prudential, Obong was the Legal Adviser/Company Secretary of Heirs Holdings, an African proprietary investment company where he oversaw the legal responsibilities of the company's investment portfolios in Financial Services, Oil & Gas, Energy, Real Estate, Health Care and the Hospitality sector. Specific responsibilities included transaction advisory, implementation and institutionalisation of governance frameworks, mergers and acquisitions, business incubation, compliance, and regulatory. Obong also worked in the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA Plc), where he had stints in legal advisory, business development, strategy, research, and customer service. Prior to this, he held positions at Alpha Juris Chambers, Lagoon Home Savings & Loans Limited, and Standard Trust Bank (now UBA Plc).

With over 19 years of post-call legal working experience in corporate, commercial legal practice, banking, and financial advisory services, Obong is also a Non-Executive Director at Afriland Properties Plc and Redtech Limited.

Obong holds several qualifications in the legal, finance, and technology fields. Obong is an alumnus of the Nigerian Law School, the University of Liverpool, Lagos Business School and IESE Business School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among others. He is also a member of the Nigeria FinTech Fund Advisory Board.