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Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO to leave next month

Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC (STEP) announced that Anwar Soussa Chid, the telecom’s Chief Executive Officer, will be leaving the company effective July 31, 2023 after completing his two-year secondment.

Anwar joined Safaricom Ethiopia in August 2021 to lead the company’s establishment, set up business operations, and rollout the telecom network. As the first CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, Anwar has overseen “several achievements” in the dynamic Ethiopian market, including onboarding the initial team members and launching commercial operations.

Under Anwar’s leadership, Safaricom Ethiopia has acquired over 4 million customers with its network now covering more than 25 percent of the population across major cities and towns. The telecom also secured a mobile financial services license under Anwar, paving the way for the launch of M-PESA mobile money services.

In a message to staff, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa expressed gratitude to Anwar for his leadership and contributions in establishing Safaricom Ethiopia. “Throughout his tenure, Anwar has demonstrated unwavering passion and commitment, which have played a crucial role in our achievements to date,” Ndegwa said.

While thanking Anwar for his work, Ndegwa said his successor will be announced in due course.