Zianah Nyiramanza Muddu is a fintech strategist, ecosystem builder, and advocate for inclusive digital finance with over 18 years of experience driving innovation, collaboration, and industry-wide growth across Africa’s financial technology landscape. She joined fintech with the intention of leaving a lasting legacy in an industry that enriches lives and creates opportunities for others. Over the years, she has worked with fintech companies,contributed to the development of an innovation hub, and served on the Africa Fintech Network Board; experiences that have allowed her to shape and influence the evolution of digital finance across the continent.

At the heart of FITSPA (Financial Technologies Services Providers’ Association) Uganda, Zianah serves as Team Lead, guiding the association’s strategy, building strategic partnerships, and overseeing initiatives that strengthen fintech growth and collaboration. Her work sits at the intersection of policy, innovation, and industry alignment, shaping Uganda’s digital financial services landscape while ensuring innovators have the support, clarity, and structures needed to scale sustainably. 

One of her proudest moments has been helping startups and innovators understand that collaboration is the ultimate key to growth. Seeing fintechs come together to scale solutions, tackle challenges, and create meaningful impact across sectors has been deeply fulfilling. Watching the industry evolve, and knowing she has played a role in that journey, continues to inspire her every day.

Fintech’s constant evolution excites Zianah, bringing new opportunities and challenges to solve every day. Over the next five years, her vision is to build a more connected, resilient, and sustainable fintech ecosystem in Uganda and across Africa—one that attracts capital, nurtures talent, and champions inclusivity, especially for women and young innovators. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is encouraging more African countries to establish strong fintech associations that support long-term industry growth. While many focus on short-term wins, she has consistently advocated for structures that last, demonstrating through persistence and collaboration the value of building institutional foundations that serve entire ecosystems.

Her journey has been shaped by Uganda’s vibrant fintech community and by inspiring mentors such as Elijah Kitaka, Eric Kamau, Dr. Segun Aina, Gerald Begumisa, Japheth Kawanguzi, Dr. Haruna Mawanda, Peter Kawumi, Jackie Mbabazi, and Josephine Olok, alongside a close circle of trusted people whose guidance and encouragement continue to strengthen her path.

To young women aspiring to enter fintech, Zianah’s message is clear: “You don’t have to be a tech expert to make an impact. Step in, get involved, and define your own version of success; your voice and your perspective genuinely matter.”

Her work has earned continental recognition, including being named among the Women in Fintech Power List 2020 and listed as one of the 60 African Women Experts in Fintech 2022, reflecting the visible impact of her purpose-driven leadership.

A quote that continues to guide her work is: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” It is a reminder that fintech is not just about innovation or growth, it is about building opportunities, empowering others, and creating a sustainable, inclusive digital finance ecosystem that benefits the continent as a whole.