After nearly 30 years in the banking industry, Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa proudly holds the position of Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Kenya PLC. Her remarkable journey in this sector has established her as one of the most influential women leaders in banking and finance across East Africa, earning her a spot among the top 10 women leaders to watch.
Her banking career began at Barclays Bank (now Absa Bank), where she started as a trainee. Over the years, she has accumulated invaluable experience at two other Tier 1 banks, where she successfully implemented strategies that boosted the bank’s business balance sheet and revenue growth in the region.
Elizabeth possesses extensive experience in strategic leadership, particularly in the realm of developing and expanding Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and commercial banking across the African continent. Her skill set includes fostering ecosystem partnerships that enhance business opportunities and drive economic growth.
In her current role at Absa Bank Kenya PLC, Elizabeth has consistently delivered double-digit growth in balance sheets and income statements, successfully re-establishing sales strategies that led to a 30% increase in assets and a 6% rise in customer deposits in 2020. Her leadership saw revenue grow by over 20% in 2022, while spearheading the introduction of Salesforce for sales management and enhancing digital banking platforms for business clients. She also oversees a wide range of critical functions, including Commercial Banking, SME Banking, Trade Finance, Cash Management, Islamic Banking, Vehicle and Asset Finance, and Agri Business.
Through these roles, she is dedicated to not only enhancing the bank’s offerings but also ensuring that financial solutions are accessible to a diverse clientele. In addition, she played a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships with key trade and business organizations such as KNCCI, KAM, SHE Trades, AGF, and KEPSA.
Elizabeth is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and actively supports initiatives that promote their growth. She leads Absa’s women in business strategy, partnering with organizations like the International Trade Centre, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance to enhance access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities for women.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and a master’s in business administration, from the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi. Elizabeth is also a certified Executive Leadership Coach (CELC) and has completed an Advanced Management Program at IMD in Switzerland in 2024.
Her commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment is evident in her active involvement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as a Patron Member, alongside her affiliations with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. She also serves as a board member at Africa Borderlands Center (ABC) Nairobi Kenya (UNDP), Absa Bancassurance Intermediary Limited and World Readers, San Francisco, USA.
In her pursuit of excellence, Elizabeth shares valuable insights from her career, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of rapid technological changes. She highlights the importance of self-confidence as a protective factor in the unpredictable business landscape and considers emotional intelligence vital for enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Elizabeth believes constructive feedback is essential for growth, as it helps refine skills. She also stresses the importance of effective communication, encouraging individuals to choose the right words and timing to convey messages clearly and influence others. Through these principles, she inspires and leads in the banking sector, paving the way for future generations of women leaders.