Add Row
Add Element
Add Element
  • Channel
    • VIRTUAL EVENTS BILLBOARD
    • CONFERENCES & CONVENTIONS
  • Featured
    • THE VORTEX VISIONARY VIEW
    • African Changemakers
    • Future of Africa
    • Sustainable Africa
    • Women Vortex
    • Vortex Global Pulse
    • Habitat Trails
    • InterContinental Issues
    • Intracontinental Currents
    • #FUTURE FEATURE INVITATION
July 14.2025
2 Minutes Read

Safaricom's Executives Change: What Does This Mean for African Tech Disruption?

Safaricom Executive confidently addressing changes at a conference

Safaricom's Leadership Shakeup: What's Next?

On July 10, 2025, Safaricom announced a significant change in its executive lineup, appointing Frankline Okata as the new Chief Enterprise Business Officer. This move comes in the wake of Cynthia Karuri-Kropac’s exit, who served less than two years in the role. Under the leadership of CEO Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom is undertaking a major transformation aimed at shifting focus from stagnating voice and SMS revenues to a robust enterprise business strategy.

Moving Forward with Internal Talent

Frankline Okata's ascent reflects a strategic pivot towards promoting existing talent within the organization. Starting his career at Safaricom as a Customer Care Representative in 2006, Okata has progressively climbed the corporate ladder, gaining extensive experience in various departments. His prior leadership of Safaricom’s strategy for integrated technology solutions positions him well to steer the enterprise business into new growth areas, particularly in cloud computing and financial services.

The Importance of Enterprise Growth

Safaricom’s enterprise unit is becoming pivotal as the company moves away from traditional voice and SMS services. The reshuffling aims to bolster enterprise offerings to meet current market demands. With a growing emphasis on Internet of Things (IoT), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and cloud solutions, Safaricom is positioning itself to lead the digital transformation in Africa. As the company's revenues from mobile services flatten, enterprise growth might be key to sustaining their market leadership.

Context of the Shakeup

Karuri-Kropac’s departure is not an isolated incident; it marks the third leadership change within the enterprise unit in over three years. In the broader scheme under Ndegwa's leadership since 2020, the company has seen a complete reset of its executive bench. This signifies a bold strategy to redefine not just its leadership but also its operational focus to stay competitive amid evolving market dynamics.

What Does This Mean for African Tech?

This executive reshuffle is indicative of wider trends in the African tech landscape where companies are rapidly adapting to market changes. The emphasis on enhancing enterprise services aligns with global shifts towards digital transformation, as other firms in AI and fintech sectors aim to lead innovative solutions that meet regional challenges. As Safaricom makes these decisions, it reflects broader aspirations for Africa's tech future, fostering a landscape that encourages innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

Safaricom’s executive changes spotlight a key period of evolution in the telecom sector within Africa. For tech entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, staying informed on such developments could provide insights into future opportunities in this region.

Tech & AI Disruptors

8 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts

ntel's Board Restructuring Paves the Way for a Thriving 2026 Relaunch

Update ntel's Strategic Shift: A New Board for a New Era In an exciting turn for Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, NatCom Development and Investment Limited, trading as ntel, has announced a complete restructuring of its board ahead of a revival set for January 2026. The company has appointed experienced professionals, including Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, Ayodeji Joshua Richards, and Maryam Mutallab, among others, to spearhead revitalization efforts and utilize their diverse expertise to enhance ntel's operations. A Pulse on Nigeria’s Digital Future The formation of the new board signifies ntel's determination to solidify its standing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy. As a key player, ntel aims to explore fixed wireless home broadband—a move that could precede launching mobile virtual network operations. This strategy reflects a keen awareness of current technology trends, including AI in Africa and fintech solutions that amplify connectivity and digital payments. Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow In its bid to ensure a thorough recovery, ntel's leadership underscores the importance of governance. With industry leaders bringing years of experience in telecommunications, finance, and governance, the new team is well-equipped to restore investor confidence and deliver on its promises of innovative services. Soji Maurice-Diya, the incoming CEO, emphasizes the transformative potential of smart technologies in reshaping the Nigerian tech landscape. Linking Legacy to Innovation This board overhaul not only focuses on new strategies but also aims to monetize existing assets, showcasing a balance between leveraging historical strengths and embracing innovation. The new members bring expertise that aligns perfectly with the growing trends of automation in Africa and blockchain technology. Their combined knowledge could potentially streamline ntel's transition to become an investor-friendly enterprise, setting a benchmark for other African startups aiming for growth. The urgent push for digital transformation in Africa is now more than ever pertinent as companies strategize to tap into technological advancements. As we keenly await ntel’s relaunch, the collaboration between these new leaders may very well pave the way for a promising future in Nigeria’s telecom sector. Join us in witnessing ntel’s journey to re-emergence and stay informed about more exciting developments in Africa’s tech ecosystem!

Canal+'s Acquisition of MultiChoice: A Game Changer for Africa's Media Future

Update The Evolution of Africa's Media LandscapeIn a landmark move for the continent, Canal+ has completed its takeover of MultiChoice, solidifying a transformative shift in Africa's media landscape. This 20-month journey reshapes how global media interacts with Africa, promising a future where local content thrives alongside international narratives. With MultiChoice's extensive reach—40 million subscribers across 70 countries—Canal+ aims to create a hybrid powerhouse that combines global resources with local insights.Understanding the Takeover TimelineThe timeline of this acquisition is a testament to strategic maneuvering. Starting with an initial bid of ZAR 105 per share in February 2024, Canal+ faced hurdles including regulatory challenges and the necessity to navigate ownership caps. Ultimately, the successful restructuring allowed the company to maintain its global strategy while satisfying the legal framework in South Africa.Creating a Media SuperpowerThis merger is more than just a corporate transaction—it's a declaration of Africa's media potential. By investing in local content and technology, Canal+ seeks to shift the narrative from exploitation to empowerment. This transformative commitment will not only elevate content creation but also foster a robust creative economy, generating new job opportunities for African talent.Implications for Future TrendsThe integration of Canal+ and MultiChoice heralds the dawn of a 'super app' for media services, combining traditional pay-TV with digital streaming solutions like Showmax. By leveraging Canal+'s technological capabilities alongside MultiChoice’s established infrastructure, this partnership is uniquely positioned to outperform both local competitors and global giants like Netflix and Disney+.What This Means for African StartupsThis acquisition could serve as a blueprint for further transformative partnerships across Africa. Startups in sectors like fintech and automation can learn from this merger, leveraging insights on how to attract foreign investment while retaining local control. As Canal+ commits to bolstering the African creative sector, similar investments in tech can lead to innovation and sustained growth across various industries.Embracing a New Era of CooperationAs Canal+ and MultiChoice embark on this new chapter, the implications for Africa's economic landscape are profound. No longer viewed merely as a market, Africa is emerging as a collaborator in the global media narrative. This merger emphasizes the potential for symbiotic relationships that favor local talent and stories,, paving the way for a bright future for Africa in the global entertainment arena.

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Prices: What This Means for Viewers

Update MultiChoice’s Bold Move to Retain Subscribers On November 1, 2025, MultiChoice will implement a significant price cut for DStv decoders, with reductions reaching up to 40%. This is part of a concerted effort to mitigate the alarming decline in subscribers that has seen approximately 2.8 million users drop off the platform over the past two years. The price adjustments are a response to consumer feedback and changing media consumption patterns, particularly as streaming services gain more traction across Africa. Why Subscribers Are Key to DStv’s Strategy The challenging pay-TV environment, particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, has prompted MultiChoice to reassess their strategy. The company lost an estimated 1.2 million subscribers in South Africa alone just this year, translating to a concerning 8% decrease. By making their decoders more affordable and accessible, MultiChoice hopes to attract new viewers while also reviving interest among those who have drifted away due to rising costs. Opening Up Opportunities for Viewers The price reduction lowers the entry barrier, encouraging families and individuals who had previously been hesitant to adopt DStv due to costs. Alongside the new prices, DStv is initiating a limited-time promotion dubbed the Open Time Weekend from November 7-9, which grants all subscribers access to premium content at no additional cost. Existing DStv Premium customers will benefit from extra device streams until December. Canal+’s Strategic Push Against Streaming Rivals With Canal+ at the helm, this decision is not merely a reaction to subscriber losses; it's an objective to innovate and reclaim market share. Canal+ aims to position DStv as an affordable and high-value entertainment option that can hold its ground amidst the growing competition from over 560 streaming platforms. By targeting middle-income families, Canal+ is attempting to lure back those viewers who have turned to cheaper on-demand services. What This Means for Future Tech Trends This strategic pricing overhaul represents a broader trend within the African tech landscape, where traditional media and streaming platforms are increasingly competing for audience attention. Companies focused on digital transformation in Africa will benefit from these developments, as MultiChoice’s initiatives underline a significant shift in consumer behavior toward both affordability and diverse content offerings. Conclusion - An Invitation to Explore As the African tech landscape evolves, keeping abreast of these changes is vital for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders alike. The shift in DStv's pricing strategy not only highlights consumer preferences but also signifies the necessity to adapt to market dynamics in a rapidly changing digital world. Stay engaged with emerging trends in AI, fintech, and digital transformation to harness new opportunities. Follow the latest insights as African tech continues to innovate and disrupt traditional models.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*