Today, she has grown into a respected professional in East Africa’s corporate world. Hawa Chaye, now a Senior Audit Manager at KPMG East Africa
Dar es Salaam. Along the quiet shores of Lake Tanganyika in Katandala Village, Kigoma Region, a young girl once dreamed of a future far beyond the horizon she could see.
Today, that girl has grown into a respected professional in East Africa’s corporate world. Hawa Chaye, now a Senior Audit Manager at KPMG East Africa, is among a growing number of Tanzanian women breaking barriers in professions traditionally dominated by men.
Her journey, marked by determination, resilience and a commitment to uplifting others, reflects the spirit of women who are redefining leadership across the continent.
“My story begins in Katandala village in Kigoma,” Hawa tells The Citizen. “My parents did not have the privilege of formal education, but they gave me something even more powerful resilience, faith and the courage to pursue opportunities beyond my circumstances,” she says.
Those early lessons shaped the path she would follow in later years. Growing up in a modest family environment, she learned the value of persistence and hard work from her parents, who believed strongly in the power of education despite having limited access to it themselves.
“My parents taught me that where you start in life does not determine where you will end up. That belief has guided me throughout my journey,” she says.
Her educational journey was anything but conventional.
Hawa began her primary education in Mbeya before her family moved to Uganda, where she had to adjust to a new school system and language.
“The biggest challenge at the time was the shift from a Swahili-based curriculum to an English-based one,” she recalls. “At first, language felt like a barrier, but with time it became my greatest strength.”
Later, she moved to Kenya to pursue her secondary education, an experience she says further strengthened her independence and discipline.
“Studying in different countries exposed me to diverse cultures and ways of thinking. It taught me adaptability and broadened my perspective about the world,” she explains.
Her academic journey eventually led her to the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, where she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.
It was there that her interest in numbers developed into a clear professional ambition.
“Accounting allowed me to combine analytical thinking with practical impact,” she says. “I realised that the profession was not just about numbers, but about helping organisations operate responsibly and effectively.”
In 2012, Hawa, joined KPMG South Africa in Johannesburg, where she undertook her professional training and completed her articles over a three-year period.
The experience exposed her to international standards of professionalism and technical expertise within one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
“Working in such an environment taught me discipline, attention to detail and the importance of integrity in professional work,” she says.
Two years later, she made the decision to return home to Tanzania and joined KPMG East Africa at its Tanzania office, where she has steadily built her career.
Today, as a Senior Audit Manager, she leads audit assignments across a range of industries while mentoring younger professionals and contributing to business development within the firm.
“My role requires technical knowledge, leadership and adaptability,” she says. “But beyond the numbers, it is about empowering people, building trust with clients and creating meaningful impact.”
Her professional journey has not been without challenges. Like many women in finance and accounting, she entered a field historically dominated by men.
“Sometimes you find yourself in spaces where you are the only woman in the room,” she says. “But I chose to see those moments not as barriers, but as opportunities to demonstrate competence and build confidence.”
Through dedication and perseverance, she gradually earned the trust of colleagues and clients, opening doors to greater responsibilities.
“Challenges helped me grow,” she says. “They taught me resilience and reinforced my belief that women belong in every professional space.”
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Hawa is passionate about mentoring young women and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions.
She regularly participates in mentorship programmes, workshops and initiatives aimed at promoting education and leadership among girls.
“I dedicate time to mentoring young women and students because I want them to know that their beginnings do not define their future,” she says.
For her, sharing personal experiences has become a powerful way to inspire others.
“Every story shared can ignite hope. When young women hear that someone from a similar background succeeded, they begin to believe that they can succeed too,” she explains.
Her efforts extend beyond mentorship to include advocacy for sustainability and responsible business practices.
As an accredited trainer, she delivers workshops on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, helping organisations understand how business decisions can contribute to sustainable development.
“Businesses have a responsibility to operate in ways that protect both society and the environment,” she says. “Sustainability is not just a corporate concept — it is about building a better future for communities.”
Among her proudest achievements, she says, was overcoming her natural introversion to become a confident public speaker and trainer.
“Standing in front of people to deliver workshops was once outside my comfort zone,” she admits. “But stepping beyond that fear allowed me to grow and contribute in new ways.”
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Hawa has a message for young girls, particularly those growing up in rural areas.
“You are limitless,” she says. “Your voice matters, your ideas are valid and your dreams are never too big for the world. The future is waiting for bold and confident women to rise and that woman can be you.”
Reflecting on her upbringing in Katandala village, she believes the lessons she learned in childhood continue to shape her leadership style today.
“Life will always bring challenges, but resilience lies in how you respond,” she says. “Watching my parents persevere taught me that strength comes from moving forward with courage.”
That belief now guides her work in empowering other women to overcome self-doubt and pursue leadership roles.
“I encourage women to embrace growth and lead with confidence. When one woman rises, she creates space for others to rise as well,” she says.
Her exposure to different countries and education systems also prepared her for leadership in a global professional environment.
“Learning in different cultural settings taught me patience, adaptability and the value of diverse perspectives,” she says. “These qualities are essential when working in a global organisation.”
She also believes women’s leadership plays a critical role not only in business but in driving social transformation.
“Women bring holistic perspectives to leadership,” she says. “They manage resources wisely, lead with empathy and understand the long-term impact of decisions on families and communities.”
According to her, empowering women ultimately benefits society as a whole.
“When women rise, communities thrive,” she says.
Looking back on her journey — from a quiet village in Kigoma to boardrooms across East Africa, Hawa says her story is a testament to the power of persistence, education and faith.
“My journey shows that where you begin does not limit where you can go,” she says.
“And if one girl from Katandala village can achieve this, then countless other girls across Tanzania can rise, lead and transform their communities.”
