Airtel announces Country Manager for Rwanda operation

 

NAIROBI :

Airtel today announced the appointment of Marcellin Paluku as Country Manger of the company’s newest acquisition – Rwanda.

Mr. Paluku has over 15 years of experience at leading FMCG and telecom companies – including Coca-Cola and Celtel – and has worked in eight markets across the continent. Prior to this appointment, he was the Commercial Director at Airtel DRC where he played a pivotal role in ensuring that Airtel maintained its leadership position.

 Speaking about the new appointment, Mr. Jayant Khosla, CEO Anglophone Africa, Bharti Airtel, said: “Rwanda is a market with great growth potential. As with all our operations, the leadership team in Airtel Rwanda will be made up of passionate and experienced Rwandans who are committed to our goal of providing best-in-class mobile broadband services.”

 Earlier this month, Airtel was awarded the license to operate 2G and 3G GSM mobile services in Rwanda, expanding the Company’s footprint in Africa to 17 markets. Rwanda has been ranked amongst the fastest growing telecom markets in Africa with a mobile penetration rate of 38.4% in July 2011.

 Airtel plans to invest over USD 100 million in Rwanda over the next three years, creating both direct and indirect job opportunities.