Who is Jemima Kariuki, MTN Uganda’s new Chief Product Officer?

MTN Uganda in March 2023 recruited digital financial products guru, Jemima Kariuki Njuguna, as the telco’s Chief Product Officer.

Jemima, a Kenyan national brings with her “14 years of experience in ideating, building and rolling out digital products in emerging markets, making her an invaluable addition to our team,” according to a statement by MTN. 

“Jemima is a highly experienced product development and management professional, with a deep passion for financial inclusion,” MTN further said in the statement, adding: “Throughout her career, Jemima has spearheaded the development of many products for emerging markets, with the vision of creating significant and positive differences in society. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her leadership in driving our product strategy forward”.

She spent 4 years at Airtel Kenya, where she rose to the Senior Manager- Products level. In January 2016 she joined payments major, Visa Inc as the Director of Emerging Markets Digital Product Management for 3 years and in January 2019, crossed over to Visa’s key rivals, Mastercard Inc. as Director of Product Development, Products and Innovation⏤ a role in which she was responsible for overseeing core and digital products for East and West Africa.  

In March 2023, she was tapped by MTN Uganda as Chief Product Officer. 

She, on her LinkedIn page, describes herself as a “result-oriented leader determined to change society through technology”.

“With an accomplished career spanning 14+ years, I find success in closely working with teams to ideate, build and roll out digital, mobile-based products in emerging markets. My key skills include business strategy, product development, leading vibrant teams, talent spotting, strategic communication, and customer experience. Adding value to every project I am involved in is my greatest motivation,” she further says of herself. 

Commenting about her appointment on LinkedIn, she said: “Change is the only constant in life. Ecstatic about the journey ahead, and making a positive impact in Uganda,” 

Jemima holds an MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) from St. Paul’s University, Limuru, Kenya. She has also completed an Accounting (CPA) Certificate from Strathmore University as well as attended other strategic courses at South Africa’s GIBS Business School and Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.