Cisco has appointed Ossama Eldeeb as managing director for Africa, effective immediately, to lead the company’s commercial operations and investment strategy across the continent.
He will work with Cisco’s local partner ecosystem to scale its presence and accelerate inclusive digital growth.
The appointment comes as demand grows for artificial intelligence (AI)-ready digital infrastructure across Africa.
According to the company, the move aligns with Africa’s shift towards an AI-driven future, with Cisco reaffirming its commitment to supporting secure, AI-ready digital infrastructure.
Central to Cisco’s strategy in Africa is its Country Digital Acceleration programme, through which the company collaborates with governments to accelerate digitalisation , economic growth and secure infrastructure development.
Eldeeb brings more than 26 years of international experience [in] driving growth and scaling multi-country businesses across the Middle East and Africa.
Most recently, he served as regional director of the Partner Organisation for Cisco’s Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, where the company said he strengthened routes-to-market, expanded managed services and led the region through the Cisco 360 Partner Program transformation.
Before joining Cisco, he held senior leadership roles at VMware, AMD and Microsoft, where he led partner-led business initiatives and government-supported technology programmes across emerging markets, the company said.
“Ossama’s proven track record in scaling businesses and building strong partner ecosystems across the region makes him the ideal leader to drive our ambitions in Africa,” said Shane Heraty, vice president, Cisco Middle East, Africa, Türkiye and CIS.
“Africa is a strategic priority for Cisco. Under Ossama’s leadership, we are confident we can deepen our impact, empowering governments, businesses and communities with secure, AI-ready digital infrastructure and the skills to harness it.”
Eldeeb said: “Africa represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities in our industry.
“I aim to lead Cisco’s efforts to empower organisations, governments and communities across the continent with the technology and skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”
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