9mobile, a leading telecommunications company in Nigeria, has appointed Obafemi Banigbe as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as part of its preparations for a new phase of business transformation.
The announcement was made by the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), which operates as 9mobile, on Thursday.
Banigbe succeeds Juergen Peschel, the outgoing CEO, who will remain as a consultant to support the ongoing business transformation process initiated under his leadership. This transition aligns with 9mobile’s tradition of ensuring business continuity to facilitate a seamless start to its comprehensive business transformation efforts.
Obafemi Banigbe brings extensive experience at the C-suite level, with a deep understanding of the African business landscape. He is known for effectively translating business objectives and commercial imperatives into actionable strategies that drive successful execution.
Banigbe began his telecoms career at Celtel, now known as Airtel Nigeria, where he served as the Director of Operations. He also made significant contributions at Ericsson in various roles within the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, ultimately becoming the Network Support Group Manager for Access and Transport Networks. His previous roles include Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, Interim CEO, and Chief Technical Officer for both Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.
Banigbe’s diverse international experience spans countries such as the United States and several African nations. He co-founded Silver Rock Technology Services Ghana, a strategic advisory firm specializing in the Telecom, Media, and Technology sectors, and served as a Non-Executive Director at Amplitude Telecoms, a tower infrastructure provider in Nigeria. As an Advisory Board member for Telecel Group, Banigbe played a pivotal role in guiding the group’s successful acquisition of Vodafone Ghana. Additionally, he contributed to the Nsano Group, a leading Fintech platform in Africa, and provided strategic guidance to the Kirusa group in New Jersey, USA.
The Board of EMTS (9mobile) expressed their enthusiasm about Banigbe’s appointment, stating, “We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the positive impact that Obafemi will have on shaping the future of 9mobile.
He brings vision, passion, and years of experience from diverse environments, which will consolidate our priorities to provide superior customer experience and sustained network quality.
Obafemi is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, introducing solutions to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunication market.”
Banigbe, holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, and an MBA from Manchester Business School, UK, expressed his delight in joining the 9mobile family.
He stated, “The Nigerian telecoms industry is characterized by strong competition, but it also provides opportunities for different stakeholders. I look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. The goal is to build on the existing foundation of the company to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector.”
