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South African telecommunications giant Vodacom Group has appointed former Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Segun Ogunsanya as an independent non-executive director, bringing one of Africa’s most experienced telecom executives onto the board of a former industry rival.
Ogunsanya’s appointment, effective October 9, 2026, forms part of a broader restructuring of Vodacom’s board as the company prepares for a leadership transition and continues to expand its telecommunications and digital services operations across Africa.
Former Airtel Africa CEO Joins Board
Ogunsanya served as CEO of Airtel Africa before retiring from the position in 2024, having previously led Airtel Nigeria.
His career spans telecommunications, banking and consumer businesses, including senior positions at Coca-Cola, Ecobank and Airtel. His experience across several African markets is expected to add industry and operational expertise to Vodacom’s board.
The appointment is particularly notable because Airtel Africa and Vodacom compete across several African telecommunications markets, making Ogunsanya’s move from one major regional operator to the board of another significant industry player.
Vodacom Names New Chairman
Alongside Ogunsanya’s appointment, Vodacom announced that Khumo Shuenyane, currently its lead independent director, will become chairman of the group in July 2027.
Shuenyane will succeed Saki Macozoma, who is scheduled to retire after completing a decade on the Vodacom board. The transition follows Vodacom’s policy limiting board directors to a maximum 10-year tenure.
Macozoma has chaired the company during a period of significant expansion in Vodacom’s African operations, including increased investment in connectivity and digital services.
Board Changes Continue
The company is also preparing for the departure of Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who is set to retire from the Vodacom board.
Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who serves as South Africa CEO of Naspers, will be replaced by Ogunsanya as an independent non-executive director.
The changes are intended to maintain board continuity while bringing additional experience to the group’s strategic oversight.
Telecom Competition Takes New Dimension
Ogunsanya’s appointment comes at a time when Africa’s telecommunications industry is evolving beyond traditional voice and mobile data services.
Operators are increasingly competing across mobile money, broadband, enterprise connectivity, cloud services, digital infrastructure and other technology-enabled businesses.
Vodacom has also been strengthening its regional position through its operations in markets including South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Kenya.
The group recently expanded its interest in Safaricom, further increasing the strategic importance of East Africa to its operations.
Experience From Across Africa
Ogunsanya’s background could prove particularly valuable as Vodacom navigates an increasingly competitive African technology and telecommunications market.
During his tenure at Airtel Africa, he oversaw operations across the group’s extensive African footprint, giving him experience in managing businesses exposed to diverse regulatory environments, currencies and consumer markets.
His appointment therefore adds a senior executive with first-hand knowledge of the African telecom landscape to Vodacom’s board.
For Vodacom, the board changes come as the group seeks to maintain growth while investing in the infrastructure and digital services expected to shape Africa’s next phase of connectivity.
The appointment also underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of Africa’s telecommunications industry, where senior executives can move between competing operators while bringing valuable knowledge of the markets in which both companies operate.
