Vodacom Appoints Ayman Essam as Chief Officer: External Affairs
In his new role, Ayman will assume responsibility for Vodacom Group's external affairs strategy across its footprint, including the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. He will report directly to Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, and join the Vodacom Group Executive Committee.
Vodacom Group announced the appointment of Ayman Essam as Chief Officer: External Affairs, with effect from 1 October 2025. He succeeds Stephen Chege, who will return to Kenya at the end of September to take up the role of Group Chief External Affairs Officer at Safaricom.
In his new role, Ayman will assume responsibility for Vodacom Group’s external affairs strategy across its footprint, including the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. He will report directly to Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, and join the Vodacom Group Executive Committee.
“We are delighted to welcome Ayman to the Vodacom Group Executive Committee. His deep sector knowledge and proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to strengthen our external affairs efforts across Africa. Ayman’s appointment underscores our commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders as we continue to deliver on our purpose of connecting for a better future. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Stephen Chege for his invaluable contribution over the past four years. Stephen has played an important role in shaping Vodacom’s reputation and external affairs agenda, and we wish him every success with his new role at Safaricom.”
– Shameel Joosub, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom Group
At Safaricom, Stephen will report into Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, and will be responsible for Safaricom’s Regulatory, External and Corporate Affairs, Public Policy, Corporate Communication Strategy, Media Relationships, Group Corporate Social Investments, ESG & Sustainability. This expanded role will encompass Safaricom Group and its subsidiaries, including Safaricom Ethiopia.
Ayman brings more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, having joined Vodafone Egypt in 2001. Over the course of his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Vodafone Egypt’s legal and regulatory frameworks and has led multidisciplinary teams spanning legal affairs, regulatory engagement, external communications, government relations, corporate security, sustainability, and the Vodafone Foundation.
Under his leadership, Vodafone Egypt has enhanced its reputation as a trusted partner to governments, regulators and communities, while also reinforcing its position as one of the standout performers within the Vodacom portfolio. Details regarding his successor in his current role as External Affairs and Legal Director at Vodafone Egypt will be announced in due course.
