Johannesburg, South Africa, August 2026 — Vodacom Group has appointed Segun Ogunsanya as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 9 October 2026. The former Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Africa brings more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning telecommunications, consumer goods, banking, finance and corporate governance.
Ogunsanya joins the Vodacom Board following the retirement of Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, who will step down on 8 October 2026 after more than seven years of service. The appointment adds extensive African business and telecommunications leadership experience to Vodacom’s governance structure as the Group continues to expand its connectivity, digital and financial services ecosystem across the continent.
Prior to this board appointment, Ogunsanya served as Group CEO and Managing Director of Airtel Africa from October 2021 to July 2025. Before taking the Group role, he spent nearly nine years as Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria, leading one of the telecommunications group’s major African operations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, a position he has held since July 2024.
Earlier in his career, Ogunsanya built substantial executive experience in the consumer goods sector. He served as Managing Director and CEO of Coca-Cola Hellenic’s Nigerian Bottling Company, following leadership assignments as Managing Director and CEO of Coca-Cola Sabco in Kenya and Chief Executive/General Manager of Coca-Cola in Ghana. His earlier tenure with Coca-Cola Nigeria included responsibility for treasury, budgeting and accounts, adding financial leadership to his broader commercial and operational experience.
His appointment comes as Vodacom prepares for a further planned Board transition. Saki Macozoma is scheduled to retire as Chairman in July 2027, with current lead independent director Khumo Shuenyane set to succeed him. Vodacom describes its Board as a unitary governance structure with separate Chairman and CEO roles and a lead independent director.
About Vodacom Group
Vodacom is a purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company. Including Safaricom, the Group serves approximately 230 million customers across consumer and enterprise segments. Its footprint spans operations in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania, while its mobile networks cover a population of approximately 596 million people. Vodacom is majority-owned by Vodafone Group, which holds a 65.1% stake.
The Group operates around its purpose of “We connect for a better future,” supported by three purpose pillars: Empowering People, Protecting the Planet and Maintaining Trust. Through its connectivity, digital and financial services capabilities, Vodacom aims to advance digital inclusion and positively transform lives while reducing its environmental impact.
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