Esther Atukwase is Director of Finance, Administration and Operations with Azura Sankofa Advisory at Management Sciences for Health (MSH). Based in Rwanda, she brings nearly 10 years of experience across finance, operations, audit, and compliance, with expertise in financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, operational finance, risk management, and internal controls. 

In her role, Esther leads the finance and operational systems that underpin Azura Sankofa Advisory’s work with governments on fiduciary assurance, accountability, and sustainable financing. She focuses on strengthening governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks to ensure operations are efficient, transparent, and aligned with donor and regulatory requirements. 

Prior to joining MSH, Esther spent six years with Illovo Sugar Rwanda, a greenfield operation within the ABF Sugar Group, where she established and led the finance and administration function. She designed fit-for-purpose systems and controls, served as a key finance business partner, and supported strategic planning, operational efficiency, and the adoption of innovative financial technologies. Earlier in her career, she worked for four years at Deloitte as an external auditor, gaining experience across public sector entities, non-governmental organizations, service companies, and manufacturing firms. 

Esther is a qualified Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) accountant and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Uganda Management Institute, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University, Uganda.