Rusana Joseph Waryoba
| Rusana Joseph Waryoba | |
| Born | 1984, Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Occupation | Banker, Business Executive, Entrepreneur |
| Title | Group CEO & Managing Director |
| Employer | Exim Credit Bank |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Education |
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| Known for | Leadership in trade finance, investment banking, and wealth management |
| Residence | United Arab Emirates |
Rusana Joseph Waryoba (born 1984), commonly known as JR, is a Tanzanian banker, investment professional, and entrepreneur. He is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Exim Credit Bank (ECB). With over 17 years of experience, he is recognised for his leadership in trade finance, investment banking, wealth management, insurance, and infrastructure finance across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
He has played a key role in expanding ECB’s international footprint and positioning the institution as a diversified financial services group with interests across banking, insurance, logistics, energy, aviation, and development finance.
Early life and education
Rusana Joseph Waryoba was born in 1984 in Tanzania. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong interest in entrepreneurship, finance, and global commerce.
He pursued higher education in banking and finance, earning a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Swiss UMEF University in Geneva. During his academic journey, he developed expertise in global financial markets, investment strategy, and risk management.
In addition to formal education, Waryoba has completed several executive training programmes and professional certifications from internationally recognised institutions.
Career
Early career
Waryoba began his professional career in 2009 in the banking and financial services sector. Over the years, he gained experience across retail banking, trade finance, credit analysis, investment banking, insurance, and enterprise risk management.
Leadership at Exim Credit Bank
Waryoba serves as the Group CEO and Managing Director of Exim Credit Bank (ECB). He is responsible for defining long-term strategy, overseeing group-wide operations, and driving international expansion.
Under his leadership, ECB has strengthened its focus on:
- International trade finance
- Investment and development banking
- Wealth and asset management
- Digital banking and fintech integration
- Financial inclusion and MSME financing
He provides oversight across ECB’s subsidiaries and regional offices, ensuring regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and sustainable growth.
Roles and responsibilities
As Group CEO & Managing Director, Waryoba’s responsibilities include:
- Strategic planning and execution
- Advising the Board of Directors on risk and investment
- Overseeing financial performance and capital allocation
- Driving innovation and digital transformation
- Managing relationships with regulators, investors, and international partners
- Ensuring compliance with global AML/CFT standards
Areas of expertise
Waryoba specialises in:
- International trade finance
- Investment banking and corporate finance
- Wealth and portfolio management
- Insurance and reinsurance
- Infrastructure and PPP financing
- Islamic banking and takaful
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
Professional certifications
Waryoba holds professional certifications from institutions including the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), New York Institute of Finance, and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Additional education and training
Beyond finance, he has completed studies in international relations, business law, diplomacy, and aviation management from institutions such as:
- Lahaye Institute
- Cambridge International College
- Emirates Aviation Training College
- Johannesburg Flying Academy
He also holds a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Business ventures
In addition to banking, Waryoba is involved in multiple business ventures across sectors including banking, insurance, logistics, energy, aviation, media, construction, and real estate.
Vision and impact
Waryoba’s professional philosophy emphasises simplicity, humility, and sustainable growth. His work focuses on financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and innovative financial solutions for emerging and frontier markets.
Personal life
Waryoba is married and resides in the United Arab Emirates.
Motto
"Make it simple, and be humble."