Oafemi Banigbe has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), also known as 9mobile. This appointment signifies a major milestone in the company's continuous business transformation endeavors.

Banigbe will take over from Juergen Peschel, the current CEO, who will remain involved in the transformation process as a Consultant. He has a wealth of experience at the C-suite level and a deep understanding of the complex African business environment, with a focus on translating business goals and commercial needs into effective strategies for successful implementation.

Banigbe began his professional journey in the telecommunications sector at Celtel, which is now known as Airtel Nigeria, where he served as the Director of Operations. Prior to this role, he made significant contributions at Ericsson in various positions within the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, ultimately becoming the Network Support Group Manager for Access and Transport Networks. He also held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, where he was responsible for developing the operational strategy for the company in Ghana. His tenure within the Millicom Group included key roles such as Interim CEO, as well as earlier responsibilities as Chief Technical Officer for Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

Banigbe has gained extensive international experience across various countries, including the United States and multiple African nations. Previously, he held the position of Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Silver Rock Technology Services Ghana, a strategic advisory firm specializing in the Telecom, Media, and Technology sectors. Additionally, he served as a Non-Executive Director at Amplitude Telecoms, a tower infrastructure provider in Nigeria.

In his role as an Advisory Board member for Telecel Group, Banigbe played a crucial part in guiding the group's successful acquisition of Vodafone Ghana. He continues to enhance his advisory portfolio by providing insights to Nsano Group, a prominent Fintech platform operating in numerous African countries, and previously shared his expertise with the Kirusa group in New Jersey, USA, offering valuable guidance on product development and market entry strategies.

The Board of EMTS (9mobile) expressed their enthusiasm for the potential opportunities and the beneficial influence that Obafemi will bring to the future of 9mobile. His vision, dedication, and extensive experience from various backgrounds will strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining network quality. Obafemi will collaborate with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to develop realistic and sustainable long-term business strategies, by implementing solutions to meet the changing demands of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

“The Nigerian telecommunications sector is known for its intense competition, yet it offers various opportunities for stakeholders. I am thrilled to become a part of the 9mobile team and am eager to utilize my expertise and distinctive value propositions to guide the company through its upcoming phase. Our aim is to enhance the current groundwork of the company and generate value that will revolutionize the Nigerian telecom industry. Banigbe mentioned.”

Banigbe earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. He further developed his skills by completing the Ericsson Management Development Program, the Advanced Management Program at the London Business School, and obtaining an MBA from Manchester Business School, U.K. Prior to joining 9mobile, he held the position of Senior Partner: Strategy and Technology at Africa Context Advisory partners.