By 
Obafemi Banigbe, a seasoned telecoms expert and technology business leader, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile. This move comes as part of the company’s strategy to drive a new phase of business transformation aimed at improving its market position, currently standing at less than 12 million active subscribers as of March 2024.
RELATED: 9mobile advocates technology adoption for multilingual learning
The Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, announced Banigbe’s appointment, succeeding outgoing CEO Juergen Peschel.
Transition aligns with 9mobile’s commitment to ensuring business continuity
Peschel will remain with the company as a consultant to support the ongoing transformation efforts initiated under his leadership. This transition aligns with 9mobile’s commitment to ensuring business continuity and a smooth start to its holistic transformation.
Banigbe brings extensive C-suite experience and a deep understanding of the African business landscape. His expertise lies in translating business objectives and commercial imperatives into comprehensive strategies for successful execution.
Banigbe began his telecoms career at Celtel, now Airtel Nigeria, as the Director of Operations. He made significant contributions at Ericsson across various roles within the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, culminating as the Network Support Group Manager for Access and Transport Networks. He also served as the Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, where he developed the operational strategy for the business. Banigbe’s tenure at Millicom Group included roles as Interim CEO and Chief Technical Officer for Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.
Banigbe comes with a diverse international experience
With a diverse international experience spanning the United States and several African countries, Banigbe co-founded Silver Rock Technology Services Ghana, a strategic advisory firm specializing in the Telecom, Media, and Technology sectors. He has also served as a Non-Executive Director at Amplitude Telecoms, a tower infrastructure provider in Nigeria, and contributed to the successful acquisition of Vodafone Ghana as an Advisory Board member for Telecel Group. Additionally, he provided strategic insights to the Nsano Group, a leading Fintech platform operating across multiple African countries, and offered guidance on product development and market entry strategies to Kirusa Group in New Jersey, USA.
The Board of EMTS (9mobile) expressed enthusiasm about Banigbe’s appointment, highlighting his vision, passion, and extensive experience. They anticipate that his leadership will enhance customer experience and network quality, and help define long-term business plans tailored to the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecom market.
“The Nigerian telecoms industry is characterized by strong competition, but it also provides opportunities for different stakeholders. I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and look forward to using my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. The goal is to build on the existing foundation to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecoms sector,” said Banigbe
Banigbe holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. He has furthered his expertise through the Ericsson Management Development Programme, the Advanced Management Program at the London Business School, and an MBA from Manchester Business School, UK. Prior to his appointment at 9mobile, he served as Senior Partner: Strategy and Technology with Africa Context Advisory Partners.
