Safaricom Reshapes Board With Fintech And HR Expertise

Safaricom PLC is reshaping its Board with the appointment of two senior Vodacom Group executives, bringing additional expertise in fintech, corporate finance, human resources and organisational transformation to the telecommunications company.

Safaricom has appointed Mariam Cassim and Matimba Mbungela as Non-Executive Directors, effective August 13, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The company also announced the resignation of James Ludlow and Dr. (Eng.) John Kipng’etich Mosonik from the Board, effective the same date.

Cassim, the Chief Executive Officer, FinTech at Vodacom Group, brings experience spanning corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, commercial management, innovation and business development. Her appointment comes as financial services become increasingly central to Safaricom’s growth strategy, particularly through M-PESA and other digital financial services.

Mbungela, Vodacom Group’s Chief Officer, Human Resources, has more than two decades of experience in human resources and organisational leadership, including regional roles covering talent, organisational effectiveness and change.

His appointment comes as Safaricom and the wider telecommunications industry navigate rapid technological change, including AI adoption, new workforce requirements and digital transformation.

The composition of the new Board therefore points to two areas that are likely to be increasingly important to Safaricom’s next phase of growth: digital financial services and organisational transformation.

Cassim’s fintech and corporate finance background could strengthen the Board’s oversight of Safaricom’s expanding financial-services business, while Mbungela’s expertise could support the company’s approach to talent, leadership and organisational change as technology reshapes the workplace.

The appointments also deepen the representation of Vodacom Group, Safaricom’s parent company, on the Board, potentially strengthening strategic alignment between the Kenyan operator and the wider Vodacom Group.

Safaricom said the new directors bring extensive experience that will support the company’s continued growth and transformation.

The company thanked Ludlow and Mosonik for their contributions to Board and committee meetings and wished them well in their future endeavours.