Executive Chairman of IBURU, Ebenezer Essoka, has been appointed Chairman of MTN Cameroon’s Board of Directors, with the company’s directors electing him during a Board Meeting held in Johannesburg on Friday, 2nd February 2024.
A post on MTN Cameroon’s LinkedIn page stated that the new Board Chairman will be replacing outgoing Chairman, Colin Mukete, who has been Chairman since 2002. Mukete had previously announced to the Board his intention to step down as Chairman, feeling that after 21 years, “now was the right time to step aside.”
He’ll, however, be working with Essoka “to ensure a smooth transition,” and will also be involved in MTN Cameroon’s affairs as a Board Director and Shareholder.
Who is Ebenezer Essoka?
Ebenezer Essoka is a distinguished figure in the realm of economic development across Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 30 years of leadership experience. He presently serving as the Executive Chairman of IBURU, an advisory firm committed to fostering economic growth in the region.
Essoka worked at Standard Chartered Bank until 2015, attaining the position of Vice Chairman, Africa. During his illustrious tenure at Standard Chartered Bank, Essoka held various pivotal roles, including CEO Central and West Africa from 2004 to 2008, and CEO South Africa and Southern Africa from 2008 to 2013. He was the first African to be appointed as CEO of a Standard Chartered Bank subsidiary, marking a historic milestone after the Group’s 135 years of presence in Africa.
Essoka’s expertise spans the spectrum of financial management, having successfully managed subsidiaries in Southern, East, Central, and West Africa. His extensive experience ranges from establishing greenfield operations to restructuring and repositioning mature businesses, while serving on various Boards across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Essoka has proven himself a philanthropic leader and community development. He served as the Honorary Consul of Finland in Uganda from 1996 to 1997, spearheading Finland’s development initiatives in the country. He was a founding member of the Ghana Business Coalition against HIV/AIDS and has been instrumental in initiatives related to clean water access, education, youth, and sports programs across Africa.
Essoka’s influence extends to various governance bodies, including his membership in Ghana’s Investors’ Advisory Council, chaired by the President of Ghana. In South Africa, he served as a Director on the Main Board of the Banking Association and as Vice Chairman of the International Bankers’ Association. Furthermore, he contributes to global education as a member of the Global Advisory Council of the London Business School and is a founding member and trustee of the Global Reach Network Foundation.
Conclusion
At his new role at MTN Cameroon, it is anticipated that Essoka, with his leadership prowess, will play a pivotal role in steering MTN Cameroon towards continued growth and innovation in the dynamic and competitive telecommunications market.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
