A Journey Defined by Clarity, Purpose, and Reinvention

Matambila C.’s professional journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and deliberate choice. Educated at Banani International School in Lusaka, Zambia, she navigated the formative years of her career with curiosity and reflection. While her early academic exploration included a brief engagement with Accounts, it was her lifelong passion for technology – particularly computers – that ultimately called her back to her true path.

This rediscovery led her to Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, where she specialized in Computer Security. During her academic years, she complemented theory with practice, gaining hands-on industry experience as a Technical Consultant for two internet service providers. These roles sharpened her problem-solving skills and exposed her to the realities of securing systems in dynamic, high-pressure environments.

Her journey, however, was not linear. It was marked by moments of pause, recalibration, and growth – each phase contributing to her evolution as a leader. Returning to Zambia, she entered the banking sector, where discipline, resilience, and clarity of purpose became defining forces. Each challenge encountered strengthened her leadership capacity and reinforced her commitment to excellence.

Today, in her role at UBA, Matambila views leadership not merely as a position, but as a responsibility – to protect critical financial infrastructures, enable innovation, and safeguard trust across borders in a rapidly digitizing region.

A Defining Milestone: Leadership at Regional Scale

Becoming the Regional CISO for East and Southern Africa stands as a defining milestone in Matambila C.’s career. It represents years of preparation, perseverance, and credibility earned through consistent performance.

In a highly technical field where women remain underrepresented, her appointment carries broader significance. It symbolizes the quiet dismantling of barriers through competence and character rather than noise or conformity. Beyond the title, the true accomplishment lies in the trust placed in her – to secure complex financial systems, guide cross-border teams, and make decisions with regional impact.

For Matambila, this milestone is both an honor and a responsibility – one that reinforces her commitment to values-driven leadership and inclusive excellence in cybersecurity.

Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity in Africa’s Financial Sector

Africa’s financial services landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital innovation, expanding access, and evolving customer expectations. At the same time, cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, demanding stronger, more adaptive security frameworks.

Matambila sees this period as a defining chapter for the industry. Her focus is on building future-ready cybersecurity strategies that do more than defend – they enable growth. At UBA, this means strengthening security architectures, developing resilient teams, and fostering a culture where innovation and protection coexist.

For her, cybersecurity is not solely about technology – it is about trust, accessibility, and empowerment. Effective leadership in this space requires balancing risk with opportunity, ensuring that innovation reaches its full potential while safeguarding the people and institutions it serves. Through strategic vision and technical depth, she is helping shape a financial ecosystem that is inclusive, sustainable, and secure.

Leadership Rooted in Integrity

When asked what guidance she would offer to aspiring leaders, Matambila’s message is clear and powerful: lead with integrity, not for approval.

She believes true leadership is not defined by titles or recognition, but by character, ethical consistency, and the impact created for others. It requires courage – the courage to make difficult decisions, to stand firm in values under pressure, and to prioritize long-term outcomes over short-term applause.

Leadership driven by approval may bring momentary validation, but leadership grounded in integrity builds trust, resilience, and legacy. This philosophy has shaped her journey and continues to guide her influence across the cybersecurity landscape.

A Cybersecurity Icon for 2026 and Beyond

As digital ecosystems expand and cyber resilience becomes central to economic stability, leaders like Matambila C. are setting the standard for what impactful cybersecurity leadership looks like. Her blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and values-driven leadership positions her among the Top 5 Cybersecurity Icons of 2026.

In safeguarding systems, enabling innovation, and leading with integrity, Matambila C. is not only protecting digital ecosystems – she is strengthening the foundation of trust upon which the future of Africa’s financial sector will be built.