Vodacom Group Announces Leadership Transition in External Affairs

Vodacom Group has appointed Ayman Essam as Chief Officer: External Affairs, effective 1 October 2025. He will succeed Stephen Chege, who will return to Kenya at the end of September to assume the role of Group Chief External Affairs Officer at Safaricom.

In his new position, Ayman will lead Vodacom Group’s external affairs strategy across its key markets, which include the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. He will report directly to Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, and will join the Vodacom Group Executive Committee.

Welcoming the appointment, Joosub said 
“We are delighted to have Ayman join the Vodacom Group Executive Committee. His extensive industry knowledge and strong leadership make him the right choice to enhance our external affairs strategy across Africa. His appointment reflects our commitment to engaging constructively with stakeholders as we continue to pursue our purpose of connecting for a better future. I also want to thank Stephen Chege for his outstanding contribution over the past four years. Stephen has been instrumental in shaping Vodacom’s reputation and external affairs agenda, and we wish him every success as he takes up his new role at Safaricom.”