Vodacom Group Appoints Ayman Essam as Chief External Affairs Officer, Expanding Regional Leadership Across Africa
Vodacom Group has named Ayman Essam as Chief Executive for External Affairs, effective October 1, 2025, in a move that signals the company’s deepening commitment to strategic engagement across its African markets. In this newly expanded role, Essam will oversee external affairs operations across all Vodacom territories on the continent, including Egypt, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Egypt will remain a key market under Essam’s purview, continuing to receive dedicated attention due to its scale and strategic importance within the group’s portfolio. Essam will report directly to Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub, joining the company’s senior executive leadership team.
Essam, a veteran of Vodafone Egypt since 2001, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s legal and regulatory framework, fostering robust partnerships with government entities and regulatory bodies. His leadership has spanned multiple disciplines — from legal affairs and public policy to corporate security, sustainability, and government relations — helping to cultivate a culture of collaboration and innovation that has strengthened Vodafone Egypt’s reputation both domestically and internationally.
Vodafone Egypt, a subsidiary of Vodacom Group, has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the company’s regional and global strategy. Its institutional strength and operational excellence have positioned it as a model within the group, contributing directly to the evolution of Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
A successor to Essam’s current role as Vice President for External Relations and Legal Affairs at Vodafone Egypt will be announced in due course.
Commenting on the appointment, Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ayman to Vodacom Group’s executive leadership team. His deep expertise in telecommunications and proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to lead our external affairs strategy across Africa. This appointment reflects Vodacom’s enduring commitment to constructive partnerships and our vision of connecting for a better future.”
