Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited, an enabler of financial inclusion in Nigeria has appointed Uche Uzoebo, a banking professional with over 20 years experience as its new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2025. Uche Uzoebo succeeds Ronke Kuye, the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of SANEF, becoming the second female to hold the top position in a row.
Uzoebo previously served as SANEF’s Chief Distribution and Stakeholder Engagement Officer since 2019 and brings a wealth of expertise in agent network expansion, digital transformation, and inclusive finance. Her appointment underscores SANEF’s commitment to leadership continuity and strategic growth, according to a statement forwarded to Condia.
Uche is a passionate and renowned expert in financial inclusion, digital transformation, inclusive finance and women empowerment in Nigeria. She spent 15 years in leadership roles at the now-defunct Diamond Bank. Uche joined the bank in 2005 as a relationship officer and left the bank in March 2019 as Group Head, Agency and Merchant Services, according to LinkedIn. Later that year, Access Bank, Nigeria’s biggest bank by assets acquired Diamond Bank.
With over two decades of experience in banking and financial services, she has established herself as a thought leader and passionate advocate for financial literacy and advocacy, training, inclusive finance, women empowerment and breaking economic barriers. Her strong business acumen and leadership qualities have driven the advancement of financial services, economic and financial inclusion in the ecosystem.
Uzoebo has led strategic project initiatives focused on expanding economic inclusion and diligently worked on empowering women as a gender specialist and advocate with a special focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, the statement said.
As a reputable certified trainer, Uzoebo has delivered high-impact training and well-tailored programmes to deepen knowledge and thought leadership. She has also contributed to published works, and spoken at fintech and finance-related conferences, thereby providing a strong voice in advancing financial inclusion and digital payment. Her practice engagements involve policy and strategic management interventions.
SANEF, established by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2019, plays a crucial role in fostering financial inclusion by collaborating with various stakeholders. Uzoebo’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to solidify SANEF’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s financial inclusion drive.
