Axian Telecom appoints Hassan Jaber as new CEO

Axian Telecom has announced the appointment of Hassan Jaber as its new CEO.

Former MTN executive Jaber succeeds Stéphane Oudin on August 19, 2024, and Oudin will transition to the role of advisor to the chairman and board member of Axian Telecom's Operating Companies.

Axian said that Oudin will continue to support the pan-African telecom group's growth and enhance the governance of both the group and its operational entities.

The group said that with 29 years of experience in the telecom and digital sectors, Jaber will lead the telecom operations group of companies, "steering strategic direction, fostering a culture of excellence, and creating value for customers and stakeholders."

"With a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering growth, and achieving operational excellence, I am fully confident that Hassan is exceptionally equipped to lead Axian Telecom into its next transformative phase," said outgoing CEO Stéphane Oudin.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Axian Telecom teams for "unwaveringly supporting my vision for the business" over the last seven years and said he looks forward to continuing to support the growth of Axian Telecom in his new role.

Jaber leaves MTN for Axian

Before joining Axian Telecom, Hassan held several executive leadership positions within the MTN Group in both Africa and the Middle East. He served as CEO in Guinea, Sudan and Afghanistan, and most recently, as COO of MTN Nigeria. He also previously served as CIO of MTN Ghana, MTN Yemen and MTN Syria.

Last week, MTN announced Jaber was leaving MTN and his role of COO of MTN Nigeria would be taken over by Ayham Moussa in August.

"I am excited for this new chapter and eager to leverage my extensive knowledge and experience to elevate Axian Telecom to new heights. I commend Stéphane for his exceptional work in building a successful business over the years. I look forward to furthering this trajectory and forging a strong working relationship with the entire Axian Telecom team," Jaber said about his new role.

Hassan Jaber previously had executive leadership positions at MTN Group's operations in Guinea, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.(Source: MTN)

Jaber holds a bachelor's degree in business computing from Saint Joseph University in Beirut and an executive master's degree in business administration (EMBA) from HEC Business School in Paris. He is also an alumnus of the International Executive Program at INSEAD, Paris.

Axian Telecom Board Chairman Hassanein Hiridjee also expressed his gratitude to Oudin saying his tenure as CEO was instrumental to the transformation, digitalization and growth of Axian Telecom.

"His leadership inspired trust and credibility among external stakeholders. He built a skilled team that achieved exceptional results and laid the groundwork for our 2025 vision, making significant contributions throughout the journey," Hiridjee added.

Axian's African footprint

Axian Telecom operates in nine markets through its subsidiaries and affiliates in Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Réunion, Mayotte and the Comoros.

Axian claims to be Africa's sixth largest mobile operator serving around 40 million customers.

In October 2023, Axian Telecom finalized the acquisition of additional shares in Senegalese telecoms operator, Free.

Axian Telecom bought a further 40% stake in Free, taking its total ownership up to 80%, to consolidate operations.

In May 2023, MTN Group said it was considering selling its operations in Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau and Liberia after receiving an offer from Axian Telecom.

Axian also led a consortium that acquired Tigo Tanzania from Millicom. The sale of Tigo Tanzania was announced in April 2021, and the $100 million deal was officially completed in April 2022.

— Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa