Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia has appointed Ato Ermias Eshetu as the new chairman of its advisory board. This replaces Peter Ndegwa, who previously held the role while serving on the Global Partnership for Ethiopia board. The appointment takes effect from Hidar 1, 2018 E.C.
Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia has named Ato Ermias Eshetu as the new chairman of its advisory board as part of efforts to localize management and place Ethiopians in senior roles. Ermias, who joined the board on Miazia 12, 2017 E.C., becomes the first Ethiopian in this leadership position. This move is said to boost confidence in the company's domestic operations.
In his new role, Ermias will guide the board toward greater effectiveness, external partnerships, and oversight. Peter Ndegwa, chairman of the Global Partnership for Ethiopia (GPE) board and Safaricom's CEO, commented: “His extensive experience in finance, management, and institutional transformation, combined with deep market insight, will enable the company to steer toward its next growth phase.”
Ermias brings over 25 years of expertise in business administration, finance, and technology sectors. Previously, as CEO of the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange, he launched the country's first electronic trading platform and co-founded Zemen Bank. Under his leadership, the board aims to strengthen governance, create jobs, maintain organizational standards, and drive Ethiopia's digital-economic growth.
The GPE board comprises global institutions including British International Investment, International Finance Corporation, Vodacom, Vodafone, Safaricom PLC, and Sumitomo Corporation.