Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia has announced its first Chief Executive Officer Anwar Soussa will be exiting the business effective July 31, 2023 when his secondment terminates.

Anwar was appointed to head Safaricom Ethiopia in August 2021 to lead the establishing of the new organisation, set-up business operations and oversee the roll out a high-quality network.

During his tenure, he oversaw the firm realise key mileposts among them onboarding the team and launching commercial operations of the second telecommunications operator in Ethiopia.

In his time, Safaricom Ethiopia also acquired more than 4 million customers, with the network now covering more than 25 per cent of the population spread across 50 cities and towns.

Anwar also led Safaricom Ethiopia to further acquire a mobile financial services licence, which paved the way for the Safaricom telecommunications company to launch M-Pesa services.

“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 Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

Ndegwa revealed that Safaricom will announce who will succeed Anwar before his tour of duty officially comes to an end at the end of July.

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