Safaricom PLC has announced that Anwar Soussa’s tenure as the CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia will come to an end on 31st July 2023, as his secondment concludes. Anwar Soussa, who previously held leadership roles at Airtel Uganda, Airtel Chad, and Vodacom Congo, has played a pivotal role in establishing Safaricom Ethiopia as the country’s second telecommunications operator.
Anwar Soussa joined Safaricom Ethiopia in August 2021, spearheading the organisation’s establishment, business operations setup, and the rollout of a high-quality network. As the founding CEO, he has achieved significant milestones in a dynamic environment, including successfully launching commercial operations and acquiring over 4 million customers. The network coverage has expanded to reach more than 25% of the population, encompassing 50 cities and towns.
One of the notable accomplishments during Anwar’s tenure is Safaricom Ethiopia securing a mobile financial services license, which will facilitate the introduction of M-PESA services. This achievement was complemented by the acquisition of a Payment Instrument Issuer License from the National Bank of Ethiopia, further establishing Safaricom Ethiopia’s position in the market.
Expressing their appreciation, Safaricom PLC tweeted, “Our 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.”
While the reason for Anwar Soussa’s departure has not been disclosed, his departure marks the end of a transformative era for Safaricom Ethiopia. The company’s growth under his leadership has been remarkable, with significant strides made in network expansion, customer acquisition, and the establishment of key partnerships and licenses.
The next steps for Anwar Soussa in his career have not been revealed, and Safaricom PLC has yet to announce his successor. As Safaricom Ethiopia continues to roll out its services in Ethiopia, the departure of its founding CEO brings anticipation for the future leadership that will build upon the foundation laid by Anwar Soussa.
The legacy of Anwar Soussa’s tenure will undoubtedly shape the company’s journey and contribute to the advancement of the telecommunications sector in the country.
