Business Analyst - IT & Financial Systems

DENSON TAFADZWA KALONGA

*************@*****.*** +263-********* Harare

Profile

Senior IT & Digital Transformation Leader with 15+ years of experience driving technology strategy and building scalable fintech ecosystems within the financial services sector. Proven track record in designing and implementing core banking platforms, digital lending systems, and API-driven integrations that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and financial inclusion. Experienced in defining and executing enterprise digital transformation roadmaps, aligning technology with business growth, and delivering secure, high- availability systems in regulated environments. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing vendors, and introducing innovative solutions including automation, data-driven decision- making, and digital financial services.

Education

BSc (Hons) Computer Science Present

University of Zimbabwe

Grade: 2.1

Employment

ICT Manager / Digital Transformation

Lead

Dec 2020 - Present

Lion Finance Zimbabwe

Define and execute enterprise digital transformation strategy aligned with business growth objectives

Lead modernization of financial systems, digitizing core business processes including lending, onboarding, and payments Designed and implemented scalable fintech architecture, integrating core banking systems with third-party APIs and digital channels

Led migration to a Fineract-based core banking platform, ensuring seamless transition and improved system performance Established API integration frameworks enabling interoperability between financial systems and external platforms

Developed data-driven reporting and analytics capabilities supporting executive decision-making and regulatory compliance

Strengthened cybersecurity, risk management, and disaster recovery frameworks in line with financial sector standards Manage vendor ecosystem, SLAs, and technology budgets

(CAPEX/OPEX)

Lead and mentor a high-performing IT team, fostering innovation and continuous improvement

Advise executive leadership on technology trends, innovation Personal details

Nationality

Zimbabwean

Skills

Digital Transformation

Strategy & Execution

Fintech Ecosystem Design &

Architecture

Core Banking Systems

(Temenos T24, Mambu, BR.Net,

Loandisk,Fineract)

IT Strategy Development

API Architecture & Systems

Integration

Executive Technology

Advisory

Digital Lending & Workflow

Automation

Leadership & Cross-

Functional Collaboration

Service Delivery Management

Cloud Infrastructure (Azure,

AWS)

Cybersecurity, Risk &

Compliance

Data Analytics & Business

Intelligence

IT Governance & Vendor

Management

Team Leadership & Mentoring

Digital Payments Integration

Technology Budget

Management

Financial Systems

Modernization

opportunities, and digital financial services strategy IT Manager Jul 2019 - Nov 2020

Microhub Financial Services

Led design and implementation of IT strategy supporting digital financial services delivery

Managed and optimized core banking systems (Mambu) and supporting infrastructure

Designed and coordinated system integrations with EcoCash, SMS platforms, and credit reference bureaus

Implemented disaster recovery, security frameworks, and IT governance structures

Delivered projects focused on automation, system efficiency, and digital service enablement

Managed vendor relationships, budgets, and service delivery performance

Systems Support Analyst Jan 2016 - Jun 2019

Microhub Financial Services

Supported and optimized core banking systems and financial applications

Participated in systems integration initiatives and reporting solutions

Enhanced system performance, security, and user support processes

Systems Administrator May 2013 - Dec 2015

AfrAsia Bank (Kingdom Bank)

Managed core banking infrastructure, ATMs, and POS systems

(Postilion)

Maintained data center operations, backups, and system availability

Administered Active Directory, network systems, and enterprise applications

Graduate Trainee Jun 2011 - Mar 2013

Kingdom Bank Limited

Rotational training across IT operations, infrastructure, security, and systems development

Courses

Cisco Certified Network Associate (

CCNA)

Office 365 Administrator

Certified Network Security Specialist

ITIL v4 Foundation

CISA Cybersecurity Certifications

REST APIs

VMware

Key Achievements

Digital Transformation Initiatives

Transitioned traditional microfinance operations into technology- enabled financial platforms

Defined and executed digital transformation initiatives that transitioned traditional microfinance operations into technology- enabled financial platforms, significantly improving efficiency and service delivery

Core Banking Systems Implementation

Led implementation and management of multiple core banking systems

Led implementation and management of multiple core banking systems (Mambu, Temenos T24, Fineract, Loandisk), including product configuration and workflow automation

API-Driven Integration Architecture

Designed and implemented API-driven integration architecture Designed and implemented API-driven integration architecture connecting core banking systems with mobile money platforms

(EcoCash), SMS gateways, and credit reference bureaus Digital Lending Workflows

Spearheaded end-to-end digital lending workflows

Spearheaded end-to-end digital lending workflows (origination approval disbursement collections), reducing manual processes and improving turnaround times

Large-Scale System Migrations

Successfully led large-scale system migrations

Successfully led large-scale system migrations, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal operational disruption

High-Availability Infrastructure

Built and maintained high-availability infrastructure Built and maintained high-availability infrastructure achieving 99%+ system uptime in mission-critical environments

Cybersecurity Posture

Strengthened cybersecurity posture through implementation of encryption standards

Strengthened cybersecurity posture through implementation of encryption standards and secure transaction processing frameworks Data and Reporting Frameworks

Established data and reporting frameworks

Established data and reporting frameworks to support credit decisioning, portfolio analytics, and regulatory compliance Digital Channels Adoption

Drove adoption of digital channels and electronic transactions Drove adoption of digital channels and electronic transactions, improving customer experience and operational efficiency Innovation & Strategic Initiatives

Digital Financial Innovation

Identified and implemented opportunities for digital financial innovation

Identified and implemented opportunities for digital financial innovation, improving access and operational efficiency AI-Driven Credit Scoring

Explored AI-driven credit scoring, automation, and advanced analytics

Explored AI-driven credit scoring, automation, and advanced analytics to enhance lending decisions

Digital Channels and Self-Service

Platforms

Promoted adoption of digital channels and self-service platforms Promoted adoption of digital channels and self-service platforms to improve customer experience

Emerging Fintech Trends

Evaluated emerging fintech trends

Evaluated emerging fintech trends including embedded finance, digital wallets, and API ecosystems

Professional Membership

Zimbabwe Computer Society

(Associate Member)

Contact this candidate