By NewsWatch Staff Writer
Renowned Cameroonian C-level executive, Ebenezer Essoka, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of MTN Cameroon, following a board meeting of the telco which took place in Johannesburg on February 2.
Essoka replaces Colin Mukete, who has occupied the position since 2002 when MTN Cameroon successfully bought over Camtel’s mobile business.
The outgone board chair said after 21 years of overseeing MTN Cameroon’s phenomenal growth and transformation, he felt that it was the right time to step aside.
“I look forward to working with my successor, Mr Essoka to ensure a smooth transition,” Mukete said, adding that he will continue to be involved in the business of MTN Cameroon as a board director and shareholder.
Jonas Mcebisi, Chairman of the MTN Group Board of Directors, said: “It has been a great honour working and serving alongside Mr Mukete. His exemplary leadership and stewardship of the Board and the company has been an inspiration. It encourages us to continue to do more on our quest to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. Cameroon is one of MTN Group’s key markets on the continent whose digital progress we are committed to drive for many years to come. We look forward to continuing this work with Mr Essoka.”
Essoka holds an MBA in Finance and a Diploma in International Business, and has taken part in senior executive development programs at Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD), London Business School, Templeton College, Oxford University and Cambridge University.
He brings to MTN Cameroon over 30 years of corporate experience and expertise from his tenure on various boards, having served notably as Vice Chairman for Africa and formerly CEO for South Africa and Southern Africa, as well as for Central and West Africa at Standard Chartered Bank.
Essoka will be taking over a telco that has experienced a successful period of growth and positioned itself as a leading mobile network operator in Cameroon.
First published in NewsWatch newspaper No 169 of Tuesday February 13, 2024.