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Safaricom Ethiopia has announced the appointment of Wim Vanhelleputte as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from September 1st, 2023. Vanhelleputte, the former CEO of MTN Uganda, will succeed Anwar Soussa, who has led the company since its inception.
Vanhelleputte brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the Operating Executive for West and Central Africa (WECA) Markets of Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, and Congo-Brazzaville at MTN Group since August 2022. His responsibilities included overseeing performance and governance in these markets. Before that, he had been at the helm of MTN Uganda for six years being replaced by Safaricom’s former Chief Consumer Business Officer, Sylvia Mulinge.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in the telecommunications industry across multiple markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Vanhelleputte is well-positioned to steer Safaricom Ethiopia towards its vision of transforming lives through a digital future for all Ethiopians.
Safaricom PLC expressed confidence in Vanhelleputte’s appointment, stating, “As Wim joins us, we have planned for a seamless transition to ensure that we maintain our momentum so far in delivering our vision to transform lives through a digital future for all Ethiopians.”
Vanhelleputte’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Safaricom Ethiopia, which recently expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for its continuous support in the telecom and financial services sectors. The company launched its mobile network in Ethiopia in October 2022, becoming the first private operator in one of Africa’s largest telecoms markets. This followed the Ethiopian government’s decision to privatize the telecom sector, previously monopolized by state-owned Ethio Telecom since 1894.
Despite initial delays due to COVID-19 and logistical challenges, Safaricom Ethiopia successfully launched its network and services in the capital, Addis Ababa, following network pilots in 10 cities. The company is building a wholly-owned mobile network and has infrastructure sharing and interconnection agreements in place with Ethio Telecom.
Under the leadership of outgoing CEO Anwar Soussa, Safaricom Ethiopia has made significant strides, amassing over 4 million customers and achieving more than 25 per cent network coverage of the population across 50 cities and towns. The company also secured a mobile financial services license, paving the way for the launch of M-PESA services.
Safaricom PLC Kenya’s CEO Peter Ndegwa confirmed Soussa’s departure effective July 31st, 2023, expressing gratitude for his contributions. “Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated unwavering passion and commitment, which have played a crucial role in our achievements thus far,” Ndegwa said.
As Safaricom Ethiopia continues to grow and compete in the newly liberalized telecom sector, Vanhelleputte’s appointment signals a new chapter in the company’s journey towards providing affordable and meaningful connectivity for all Ethiopians.