MTN is confident that Safaricom’s Sylvia Mulinge, who the operator recently recruited as CEO of its Uganda operations, will help grow regional business and help it sustain its position as Africa’s largest mobile network operator.

During her time at Safaricom, Mulinge was acknowledged for her contribution to the company’s strong market position, based on sales, earnings and market value. She was also instrumental in establishing the company’s enterprise and fixed data silos.

Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom’s CEO, commented on Mulinge’s departure: “A champion of digital transformation, Sylvia is a purpose-led and impact-driven business leader. She has lived the Safaricom Purpose of Transforming Lives of our customers using technology as an enabler of positive change. As she embarks on the next phase of her career, I would like to congratulate Sylvia and thank her for her leadership and contribution to Safaricom over the years."

Mulinge joined Safaricom in 2006 and has held various senior roles including General Manager Enterprise Business Unit and Director Consumer Business Unit, before assuming the role of Chief Customer Officer in 2018.

In July 2021, she took up the role of Chief Consumer Business Officer.

A statement from MTN reads: “Sylvia Mulinge becomes MTN Uganda CEO, joining from Safaricom, where she served as Chief Consumer Business Officer for the Group. A seasoned executive, she brings with her a passion for transforming customers’ lives using technology.”

“Mulinge replaces Wim Vanhelleputte, who will take on the new MTN Group role of Operations Executive: Markets.”

Charles Mbire, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MTN, said, “I would like to welcome Sylvia Mulinge to MTN Uganda. I believe that her experience will be beneficial to MTN, particularly given her alignment to our strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. The Board is confident that Ms. Mulinge will continue the work of growing the Company as a leading provider of telecommunications and digital solutions.”