Citi has appointed a banking executive with nearly 20 years’ experience to steer its Tanzanian operations as investment, regional trade and demand for sophisticated financial services create new opportunities.
By Business Insider Reporter
Citi has appointed Ester Manase (pictured below) as Country Officer and Banking Head for Tanzania, placing an experienced corporate and investment banking executive at the helm of its local business as the country seeks to attract investment and strengthen its position as a regional trade and financial hub.
Based in Dar es Salaam, Manase will lead Citi’s Tanzanian franchise, overseeing institutional client strategy, engagement with regulators and efforts to connect local and international clients to opportunities through the bank’s global network. Her appointment takes effect immediately.
The move comes as Tanzania continues to pursue investment in infrastructure, energy and mining, while regional trade and cross-border capital flows create demand for banking services that support large projects, corporate expansion and international transactions.
In her new role, Manase will oversee Citi’s relationships with governments, multinational companies, financial institutions, investors and major Tanzanian businesses. The bank provides services spanning corporate banking, financial markets, treasury and trade finance.
These areas are particularly relevant to businesses seeking to finance expansion, manage currency and other financial risks, facilitate imports and exports, and access international markets.
Manase brings nearly two decades of experience in institutional banking, treasury and trade solutions, and global markets. She joins Citi from Stanbic Bank Tanzania, where she was Executive Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking.
In that position, she led strategic client relationships and transactions across key sectors of Tanzania’s economy. Her experience includes advising clients on complex financing, risk management and growth initiatives, as well as supporting investment and capital flows across East Africa.
Her appointment places that experience at the disposal of Citi’s institutional client base, which includes businesses operating across borders and organisations seeking access to international financial markets.
“As Tanzania continues to deepen its role as a gateway for trade and investment in East Africa, Esther’s leadership, market expertise and strong client relationships position her well to lead our business into its next chapter of growth,” said Akin Dawodu, Citi’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the appointment reflected the bank’s continued commitment to supporting its clients and contributing to Tanzania’s economic development.
Connecting Tanzanian businesses to global capital
Citi’s strategy in Tanzania is built around serving institutions whose financial needs often extend beyond domestic markets. For companies involved in trade, infrastructure, energy and mining, access to international banking networks can be important in arranging financing, managing financial exposure and conducting transactions across jurisdictions.
Manase’s responsibilities will include advancing the bank’s integrated offering to institutional clients, drawing on Citi’s international network and local market knowledge.
Nearly three decades in Tanzania
Citi has operated in Tanzania since 1995, supporting clients through successive periods of economic change and growth. Its local presence, combined with its international network, gives the bank a platform to serve companies and institutions with both domestic and cross-border financial needs.
Under Manase’s leadership, the bank says it will focus on helping clients navigate an increasingly interconnected global economy while supporting Tanzania’s industrialisation, trade and investment ambitions.
Her appointment comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to deepen its participation in regional and international commerce. The ability of financial institutions to connect local businesses with capital, markets and trade partners will remain an important part of that effort.
For Citi, Manase’s challenge will be to build on its established presence, maintain strong institutional relationships and identify opportunities for growth as the country’s economy and financial needs evolve. Citi is a global banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a wealth management provider and a personal bank in the United States. It operates in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions, serving corporations, governments, investors, financial institutions and individuals with a range of financial products and services.
