Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Steps Down After Two Years

After a two-year stint, Anwar Soussa, the CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia will step down at the end of July. Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, said this in an internal communication to staff.

Anwar Soussa joined Safaricom Ethiopia in August 2021 to lead the establishment of the organization, set up business operations and roll out a high-quality network.

During his tenure, Anwar has overseen the attainment of milestones including setting up the team and launching commercial operations of the second telecommunications operator in Ethiopia.

“I wish Anwar the best in his future endeavours as his assignment with Safaricom Ethiopia comes to an end,” Peter Ndegwa said, “We will announce Anwar’s successor in due course.”

Anwar has steered Safaricom Ethiopia to acquire over four million customers, with the network covering more than 25 percent of Ethiopia’s population and spread across 50 cities and towns. The telco was also recently granted a licence for mobile money in Ethiopia after paying investment license fees of $150 million.

The telco plans capital expenditure of between $285.2 million and $320.86 million on the Ethiopian unit in the current financial year that runs to March next year. This compares with the $396.43 million spent in the financial year ended March 2023.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Anwar for his leadership and contributions to Safaricom Ethiopia. Throughout his tenure he has demonstrated unwavering passion and commitment, which have played a crucial role in our achievements thus far,” said Ndegwa.