dfcu Bank has appointed Margaret Karume as its second Executive Director, a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s leadership capacity and advancing its transformation agenda.
The bank said the appointment underscores its commitment to enhancing value creation for customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders while reinforcing its strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
Karume brings more than 30 years of banking experience across East Africa, having served in senior leadership positions in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. She is recognised for spearheading institutional transformation, improving business performance, and building high-performing teams within the banking sector.
Before her appointment, Karume served as Chief Credit Officer at dfcu Bank, where she played a key role in improving the quality of the bank’s credit portfolio, strengthening underwriting standards, and promoting sustainable growth practices.
In addition to leading the bank’s credit function, she also oversaw the Customer Experience Unit, where she championed service excellence and strengthened a customer-centric culture across the institution. Her leadership further contributed to the advancement of the bank’s credit automation initiatives and enhanced collaboration among business units.
Prior to joining dfcu Bank, Karume served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NCBA Bank Tanzania, where she successfully oversaw the merger of two banking institutions to establish NCBA Bank Tanzania. She also previously held the position of Managing Director and CEO at NIC Bank Tanzania and occupied several senior leadership roles in credit risk and corporate banking across the region.
According to the bank, Karume’s extensive regional experience, deep understanding of banking operations, and commitment to people development position her well to support dfcu Bank’s next phase of growth and transformation.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Karume is passionate about mentorship and talent development, particularly among young professionals in the banking industry. Her leadership and commitment to knowledge-sharing have positively influenced teams and colleagues across the region.
