Ester Kali: Leading the Way in the Financial Sector

From humble beginnings as an enquiry official at the Barclays branch in Ondangwa, Dr. Ester Kali has shattered the glass ceiling of the traditionally male-dominated financial industry. Making history in 2014 as the first female CEO in the Namibian financial sector, Dr. Kali has established a remarkable legacy.

The story of Namibia’s financial sector cannot be told without mentioning this trailblazing, visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to growth, innovation, and social upliftment. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kali is a devout Christian, wife, and mother of three who finds joy in making sourdough bread, reflecting her grounded nature and commitment to balance.

Reflecting on Her Childhood

Dr. Ester Kali grew up in Mondesa, Swakopmund, as the eldest of six siblings in a family supported by their mother, a domestic worker. Taking on significant responsibilities early, Dr. Kali helped manage the household and even started a small business selling “vetkoek” to contribute. One of her most vivid memories was accompanying her mother to the bank, where she was captivated by the teller stamping deposit slips—a moment that ignited her aspiration to become a banker.

Leadership Style

Dr. Ester Kali embodies a unique approach to leadership, blending her faith with her professional acumen to drive positive change. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to serving her community. She believes that  “every life is a solution to a problem. Discover and solve a problem you were created to resolve.”

Achievements and Contributions

As the CEO of Letshego Holdings Namibia and Letshego Bank Namibia, Dr. Ester Kali has left an indelible mark on the Namibian financial sector. Under her transformative leadership, Letshego experienced significant milestones, including being granted a full commercial banking license in 2016, enabling the operations of Letshego Bank Namibia. In the same year, Letshego Holdings Namibia was incorporated as the holding company of Letshego Bank Namibia and Letshego Micro Financial Services Namibia.

Letshego Holdings Namibia was successfully listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange in 2017. In 2023, Letshego Holdings Namibia Ltd (LHN) was named the Best Locally Listed Company at the prestigious Namibia Top Company Awards. The development and stability of these companies showcase Dr. Kali’s leadership and strategic foresight.

Beyond Letshego’s boardroom, Dr. Kali has served in key leadership roles in various organisations dedicated to positive social causes. As the founding chairlady of the Payments Association of Namibia, she laid the foundation for revolutionising payments in Namibia. She also serves as a board member of Letshego Holdings Namibia and Letshego Bank Namibia, chairlady of the Bankers Association of Namibia, and chairlady of the Academy of Banking Namibia, a centre of excellence for banking educational needs. Her impact on shaping the future of banking and financial services in Namibia is profound.

Advocacy, Recognition and Philanthropy

Dr. Ester Kali is a tireless advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. Passionate about empowering the underprivileged, she spearheads initiatives to foster economic empowerment through Letshego.

Recognition for her exceptional contributions came in 2019 when she was awarded Businesswoman of the Year in the Private and Corporate sector category by the Namibian Business Woman Programme.  In 2017, UNISA awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in Financial Management.  In 2022, she was inaugurated into the Namibia Business Hall of Fame as a Laureate, further cementing her status as a leader of distinction in the business community.  Adding to her accolades, in 2023, the United Nations Global Women Foundation honoured her as a “Women of Distinction”, and Trinity International University of Ambassadors awarded her a Doctor of Philosophy.

In her private capacity, through her charity organisation, Tukwafele, which means “Let’s support” in her vernacular language, Dr. Kali extends her philanthropic reach to orphanages, nursing homes, and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering mentorship and support. Her commitment to community welfare is evident in her previous role as Chairlady of the National Social Marketing Programme (NASOMA), focusing on HIV prevention. Additionally, she serves as the Chairlady of the Nampower board of directors.

Educational Background

Dr. Kali’s illustrious academic background complements her extensive professional experience. She holds an MBA specialising in General and Strategic Management from Maastricht School of Management Netherlands and a Financial Services Advanced Diploma from the Institute of Bankers in South Africa.

In Conclusion

Dr. Ester Kali epitomises leadership with purpose—a visionary CEO, a compassionate philanthropist, and a pioneer committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As she continues to lead Letshego and inspire countless individuals, Dr. Ester Kali remains a beacon of excellence and empowerment in the Namibian financial industry and beyond.