Digital Economy Magazine Unveils Top 10 Digital Economy Leaders in Tanzania
Global digital economy-focused publication, Digital Economy Magazine has unveiled its Top 10 Digital Economy Leaders who are at the forefront of digitalization in Tanzania
Dubbed “Tanzania Top 10 Digital Economy Leaders, the list showcases digital economy personalities who are changing the course and the face of Tanzania’s digital economy landscape.
The list was compiled with a distinct focus on excellence in leadership and performance, professional journey, company transformation, personal accomplishments, and other various factors.
The list of “Tanzania’s Top 10 Digital Economy Leaders” has been published on digitaleconomymag.com
The Top 10 Digital Economy Leaders In Tanzania
Denny Marandure, CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies - Tanzania
Denny is currently the CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Tanzania and Zanlink in Zanzibar.
Denny is an adaptive and highly experienced global player with extensive years of providing value to large international global and dynamic Fortune 500 companies.
He spent many years in the USA expanding his academic knowledge and acquiring valuable work experience and skills while working for companies such as IBM, Lucent Technologies, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Verizon Communications LLC, which springboard his pathway to ZOL Zimbabwe, the retail arm of Liquid Telecom as its CEO from 2014 until 2019.
In October 2019, Denny moved to Liquid Telecom South Africa as Group Executive Cloud and Digital Sales.
He grew the cloud and Digital business exponentially before being appointed Group Executive Enterprise Sales in March 2021.
Zuweina Farah, Country Manager, Smile Communications - Tanzania
A technology operating executive with expertise in innovation, leadership, and management.
In 2019 Zuweina joined Smile Communications Tanzania Limited, a 4G LTE mobile broadband provider in Tanzania, as a management consultant and later appointed as the Country Manager leading the team and the company’s transformation in the Tanzanian market.
Previously served as an Executive Director at the American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania.
Zuweina indulges in co-creation, support and mentorship of tech startups across Africa through programs and initiatives.
Founding partner of id8 Space, a community of practice that supports entrepreneurs from concept to commercialisation.
Founder of SNDBX Space – a space to groom and nurture future leaders and innovators.
Dinesh Balsingh, Managing Director, Airtel Tanzania PLC
Balsingh’s joined Tanzania’s third-largest telecommunications company in January 2022.
Mr Dinesh Balsingh is a Sales and Marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, having worked across multiple regions and roles.
He has led several departments such as sales, marketing, and customer service throughout his career and has extensive management expertise leading country operations in India and Nigeria.
In the year 2000, Mr Balsingh began his career with Hutchison Essar Ltd. in the year 2000. He later joined Airtel in 2006 and to Tata Docomo in 2011.
Following that, he returned to Airtel in Nigeria, where he most recently served as a chief commercial officer, delivering considerable market share growth.
Kamal Okba, CEO, Tigo Tanzania
Kamal Okba is a highly skilled leader with a proven track record of success in managing various big-names in telecom organizations.
With a wealth of experience in the field of information technology, Kamal is a dynamic and adaptable individual who thrives in fast-paced and challenging environments.
As the CEO of Tigo Tanzania, he is a results-driven leader who consistently sets high standards for himself and his teams and motivates them to achieve their best.
With a career spanning several high-level positions in various companies, Kamal has gained vast insights in telecommunications, customer service and management.
Prior to his appointment as CEO of Tigo Tanzania, he held top-level positions in renowned companies such as Maroc Telecom, Casanet SA, Mauritel SA, inwi Casablanca and Airtel Gabon.
Philip Besiimire, Managing Director, Vodacom Tanzania
Philip Besiimire is an accomplished leader who has made significant contributions to the telecommunications industry in Africa.
He is widely recognized for his exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the CEO of Vodacom Tanzania, Philip is responsible for driving the company’s growth and innovation, while ensuring that it maintains its position as a market leader.
Over the course of his career, Philip has held numerous high-level positions in some of the continent’s most respected companies.
He has a deep understanding of the telecommunications industry and a wealth of experience in commercial execution, marketing, and operations management.
His impressive track record of delivering results has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and a thought leader in the industry.
Mr. Damon Zhang, CEO, Huawei Tanzania
Damon Zhang is a highly respected leader and expert in the telecommunications industry, known for his exceptional research and strategic vision.
As the CEO of Huawei Tanzania, he has been instrumental in the company’s significant growth and expansion, cementing its position as a key player in the region. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the market, Mr. Zhang has led Huawei Tanzania to numerous achievements and accolades, establishing the company as a leader in cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
His exceptional leadership skills, coupled with his expertise in the field, have made him a formidable force in the industry and a respected figure among his peers.
Mr. Zhang’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for driving positive change have earned him a reputation as a true visionary and a true asset to the telecommunications industry.
Gwakisa Stadi, Managing Director, Helios Tower Tanzania
Gwakisa Stadi is a talented financial executive with a proven track record of success in the telecommunications industry.
As the Managing Director of Helios Tower Tanzania, he has been instrumental in driving the growth and success of the company.
Gwakisa’s impressive career trajectory at Helios Towers is a testament to his strong work ethic, strategic vision and commitment to continuous improvement.
He started as a Financial Controller in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks, thanks to his participation in business excellence and leadership programs.
In his current role as Managing Director, Gwakisa oversees the company’s operations and ensures that Helios Towers Tanzania remains at the forefront of the telecommunications industry.
Dr. Jabiri Kuwe Bakari, Director General, Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA)
Jabiri Kuwe Bakari (Ph.D) is the Director General of Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) following the presidential appointment in April, 2021. Since his appointment, Dr Jabiri has been able to transform TCRA by bringing in new and refreshed climate, not only in its own internal processes but also transforming the Authority culture towards a digital economy which consequently propelled Tanzanian economy to the digital age which is being relied upon by both local and global stakeholders.
Dr. Bakari is a Tanzanian pracademic who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and System Sciences from Stockholm University in Sweden (2007), specialized in ICT Risks and Security Management, a Master’s of Science Degree (Engineering) in Data Communication from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sheffield University, UK (1999).
Kenneth Wakati, Country Director, Techno Brain Group – Tanzania
Possess broad experience leading business transformation and overseeing technology operations while ensuring on-time delivery of business solutions in private corporate organizations (manufacturing and mobile telecommunication), banking and government sectors.
Have demonstrated record of success using new products and technologies to solve complex business problems and improve service delivery and customer experience in tax administration and banking industry.
Certified Director, Project Management Professional and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Technology (UK) and possess strong strategic management skills with the unique ability to work with stakeholders in the design and implementation of information technology, business transformation, change management, business continuity, governance and P&L strategies as well as the ability to execute through people.
Firas Ahmad, Co-Founder/Group CEO, AzamPay Tanzania
Pursuing his vision of building a digital commerce ecosystem in East Africa, Firas co-founded AzamPay in 2016 and he currently serves as the Group CEO.
He has over 15 years of executive and strategic experience in startups and expanding high-growth companies in the areas of Fintech, Financial Services, Energy, Technology, Media & Telecommunications in emerging markets.