Wim Vanhelleputte is a seasoned Belgian telecommunications executive with over 25 years of experience across sub-Saharan Africa. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC, a subsidiary of Kenya’s leading telecom operator, Safaricom.
Educational background
Vanhelleputte holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the State University of Ghent in Belgium. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Nuclear & Solid-State Physics from the same institution and a Master of Science in Power Plant Management from the Université libre de Bruxelles.
Professional journey
Vanhelleputte’s career in telecommunications began in the early 2000s. He has held significant leadership roles in various African markets, including serving as CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire from 2009 to 2015, where he oversaw operations in the Ivorian market. He later moved to Airtel Africa in 2015, where he served as Regional Director for Francophone Africa, managing operations in multiple countries.
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From 2016 to 2022, Vanhelleputte served as the CEO of MTN Uganda. During his tenure, he led the company through significant milestones, including the successful listing of MTN Uganda on the Uganda Securities Exchange in December 2021. Under his leadership, the company experienced substantial growth in subscribers and profits.
Safaricom Ethiopia
In June 2023, Vanhelleputte was appointed CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, succeeding Anwar Soussa. He officially assumed the role on September 4, 2023. His appointment aligns with Safaricom’s strategic expansion into the Ethiopian market, aiming to leverage his extensive experience to drive growth and innovation.
Recent developments
Under Vanhelleputte’s leadership, Safaricom Ethiopia has faced challenges, notably the depreciation of the Ethiopian birr, which impacted the company’s financial performance. In November 2024, Safaricom adjusted its full-year earnings forecast downward due to the currency’s devaluation. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its long-term prospects in Ethiopia.
Personal insights
Vanhelleputte is recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to enhancing telecommunications services across Africa. His leadership is characterized by a focus on digital transformation and customer-centric solutions, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster economic development in the regions he serves.
