logo
Vodacom appoints Mohamed Abdallah as CEO for international markets and Vodafone Egypt

Vodacom appoints Mohamed Abdallah as CEO for international markets and Vodafone Egypt

IOL News03-06-2025
Vodacom Group appoints Mohamed Abdallah as the Chief Executive Officer of International Markets and Vodafone Egypt
Image: Supplied
Vodacom Group has appointed Mohamed Abdallah as the new Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom International Markets and Vodafone Egypt.
This appointment comes as part of Vodacom's commitment to simplifying its operational framework, propelling growth, and enhancing customer experiences—a goal firmly anchored in its Vision 2030 ambitions.
Currently at the helm of Vodafone Egypt, Abdallah will now expand his leadership role to encompass a broader regional portfolio, focusing on operational excellence and growth across Vodacom's International Markets.
His responsibilities will include overseeing operations in Egypt, as well as in several other key African markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania. This unified leadership approach aims to consolidate Vodacom Group's strategic objectives across its international markets.
'Mohamed is a seasoned executive with a proven track record in delivering strong commercial results,' said Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.
'His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our international portfolio and embed our purpose-led strategy across the continent.'
Joosub also took a moment to express gratitude to Abdallah's predecessor, Diego Gutierrez, who stepped down after a commendable seven-year term as Chief Officer of International Business, during which he guided the company through critical transitions and achieved solid performances.
Abdallah has been part of the Vodafone family since 1998, accruing a wealth of experience across a range of senior leadership positions, including Enterprise Business Director and Consumer Business Director.
His tenure as CEO of Vodafone Egypt has been marked by robust growth across consumer, business, and financial services, cementing Vodafone Egypt's reputation as a market leader in the region.
In his new role, Abdallah will continue to report directly to Joosub, and the CEOs of Vodacom's DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania will report to him. This streamlined leadership structure is set to enhance synergies within the organisation and pave the way for sustained growth.
Speaking about his new position, Abdallah expressed his enthusiasm: 'It is a privilege to take on this new role, as I am passionate about driving connectivity and innovation to empower individuals and businesses across Africa.
Vodafone Group is uniquely positioned to shape Africa's digital future, and together with the incredible teams at Vodacom Group, we will work to build a more digitally inclusive future that uplifts communities and accelerates socio-economic development within the Africa region.'
IOL
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

2025 NGAP Summit in Durban: Addressing workforce challenges in aviation
2025 NGAP Summit in Durban: Addressing workforce challenges in aviation

IOL News

time9 hours ago

  • IOL News

2025 NGAP Summit in Durban: Addressing workforce challenges in aviation

Global aviation leaders will convene in Durban for the 2025 Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit, aiming to address the urgent need for skilled talent in the aviation sector and foster sustainable career pathways for youth worldwide. Image: File: John McArthur / unsplash The 3rd annual Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025 theme, 'The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire – Building the Workforce for the Skies Ahead', will be held at the Durban ICC from August 12 to 14. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), together with a United Nations specialised agency and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), will bring global aviation leaders to Durban to help address aviation's urgent need for millions of new skilled professionals to work in the aviation sector. Organisers announced in a joint statement on Thursday that the summit will serve as a global platform for governments, industry, educators, training institutions, and youth representatives to coordinate action on one of the most pressing challenges facing international aviation: developing a qualified, inclusive, and future-ready workforce to sustain the sector's long-term growth and resilience. 'ICAO forecasts suggest that by 2037, over 665,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, 554,000 pilots, 922,000 cabin crew members, and 106,000 air traffic controllers will be needed.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The organisers said these figures reflect only a portion of the broader and growing human resource demands across the many professions essential to air transport. 'South Africa is playing an integral role on the African continent through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative aimed at creating a unified air transport market across the continent, which is forecast to generate nearly 600,000 jobs in Africa alone.' Transport Minister Barbara Creecy stated that South Africa, alongside its African partners, is dedicated to addressing Africa's unique concerns, which range from safety and security to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The ICAO 2025 NGAP Summit is vital for global aviation dialogue, enabling advocacy for policies addressing shared challenges. The summit will highlight innovative approaches to aviation training, technology-enabled learning, and the creation of sustainable career pathways, particularly in support of youth in less developed and emerging aviation markets. 'I am certain that there will be a lot of insights and recommendations that the sector will take forward from the various 2025 NGAP Summit deliberations,' said SACAA Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza. The event supports the implementation of ICAO's NGAP Strategy, which outlines an integrated and collaborative approach to addressing aviation's workforce needs across four focus areas including advocacy and knowledge-sharing, workforce monitoring and forecasting, education and training, and capacity building and outreach. 'Every State has an interest in securing the talent required for a safe and resilient future for international civil aviation. This is particularly vital for youth and communities in parts of the world where aviation can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable development,' Salvatore Sciacchitano, president of the ICAO Council.

US tariffs LATEST: Cyril Ramaphosa negotiating with Donald Trump
US tariffs LATEST: Cyril Ramaphosa negotiating with Donald Trump

The South African

time10 hours ago

  • The South African

US tariffs LATEST: Cyril Ramaphosa negotiating with Donald Trump

Home » US tariffs LATEST: Cyril Ramaphosa negotiating with Donald Trump South Africa remains committed to finding a resolution with the United States following the recently imposed reciprocal tariffs. Image: Wikimedia Commons South Africa remains committed to finding a resolution with the United States following the recently imposed reciprocal as government intensifies efforts to protect jobs, support affected companies and diversify trade markets. This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed members of the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. RELATED | FULL list of Donald Trump's tariffs: South Africa hit HARD The President's comments follow the imposition of a 30% tariff by the United States on all goods imported from South Africa. The move forms part of a broader US tariff policy affecting multiple trade partners across the Ramaphosa said South Africa had already tabled a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade proposal to the United States and that negotiations are ongoing.'We put on the table a package, which would deal with our trade relations with the United States that contained what we were offering and what we wanted them to offer us. We wanted a number of trade items to be exempted, and we wanted to offer them the ability to invest in our economy, as well as South African companies to invest in the United States. 'That package is still to be fully negotiated. What they want to do now is to deal with the trade issues that have got to do with what they are going to be imposing (sic)… Our negotiations with the US are continuing,' the President said. The President stressed that South Africa was not alone in facing these challenges. 'Let's be clear. South Africa is not the only country that is dealing with these crises. Many other countries are, some of which are in a much worse situation than we are. Others are slightly better off.'All of us are involved in a process of having discussions and negotiations with the United States. It should also be clear that the US has come up with a unilateral tariff imposition on many countries in the world.'They are the biggest economy in the world, so we have to respond to the US tariff proposal. Many of our companies deal with US customers. We export vehicles, steel and aluminium and citrus. We have to engage with them and find a way to reach a settlement. Within the window that's still open, we are hoping that we will find a way to settle this matter. 'On our African continent, we are the largest economy and the most industrialised economy. So obviously we will be a target, because we export more than many other countries,' the President said. Government is working on a support package for South African companies that are likely to be hit hardest by the new tariffs. 'That for us is the main objective, but at the same time, we are saying to our companies that we are going to come up with measures to support our companies through negotiations. There are other interventions that we are working on, which will lessen the blow to our companies,' President Ramaphosa said. Government's approach is two-pronged: to negotiate both globally and at the sectoral level, while also offering direct support to industries most exposed to the US market. 'Our objective really is to save jobs. We want to preserve the jobs at those companies that are going to be adversely affected.'Those who deal with citrus, we will be assisting them with those negotiations, and those who deal with vehicles, we will be [assisting them as well]. The second approach is precisely that of assisting our companies and giving them as much help as we can,' he said. President Ramaphosa said South Africa is taking active steps to reduce its dependence on any single trade partner by encouraging companies to explore new international markets.'The whole process of dealing with countries on a trade basis requires that we should be multidimensional. We should not just focus on one country, and we've been encouraging our companies to look out to export their products to various markets because it is too risky just to focus on one market. 'When I travel overseas, I usually take a business delegation so that they can go and search for new markets wherever we go. The same thing happens with the Deputy President and other Ministers as well,' the President said. He emphasised that South Africa must intensify its efforts to expand international trade.'For us to grow our economy, we need to be much more vigorous and robust with our international trade, and it must be as 'international as the word international means'. 'There are quite a number of countries that we need to reach out to, countries that want to deal with us, that want to trade with us, and this moment gives us that opportunity,' the President said. Following the address, The Presidency released a statement confirming that South Africa will continue negotiating with the United States on the tariffs which are expected to come into effect seven days after 1 August 2025. 'South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30% tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, seven days after 1 August 2025,' the statement clarified that previously exempted items under a US Executive Order, such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and stainless-steel scrap, remain excluded from the new tariff measures. The statement confirmed that South Africa has submitted a Framework Deal aimed at fostering mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. 'All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US,' it the interim, government is finalising a support package for affected sectors, with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) set to announce further details. An Export Support Desk has also been established to provide exporters with updates, guidance and market assistance. 'South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests. It is important that as a country, we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world,' the statement read. Afghanistan – 15% Algeria – 30% Angola – 15% Bangladesh – 20% Bolivia – 15% Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30% Botswana – 15% Brazil – 10% Brunei – 25% Cambodia – 19% Cameroon – 15% Chad – 15% Costa Rica – 15% Côte d`Ivoire – 15% Democratic Republic of the Congo – 15% Ecuador – 15% Equatorial Guinea – 15% Falkland Islands – 10% Fiji – 15% Ghana – 15% Guyana – 15% Iceland – 15% India – 25% Indonesia – 19% Iraq – 35% Israel – 15% Japan – 15% Jordan – 15% Kazakhstan – 25% Laos – 40% Lesotho – 15% Libya – 30% Liechtenstein – 15% Madagascar – 15% Malawi – 15% Malaysia – 19% Mauritius – 15% Moldova – 25% Mozambique – 15% Myanmar (Burma) – 40% Namibia – 15% Nauru – 15% New Zealand – 15% Nicaragua – 18% Nigeria – 15% North Macedonia – 15% Norway – 15% Pakistan – 19% Papua New Guinea – 15% Philippines – 19% Serbia – 35% South Africa – 30% South Korea – 15% Sri Lanka – 20% Switzerland – 39% Syria – 41% Taiwan – 20% Thailand – 19% Trinidad and Tobago – 15% Tunisia– 25% Turkey – 15% Uganda – 15% United Kingdom – 10% Vanuatu – 15% Venezuela – 15% Vietnam – 20% Zambia – 15% Zimbabwe – 15% Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

US tariff of 30% confirmed for SA but negotiations continue, president says
US tariff of 30% confirmed for SA but negotiations continue, president says

The Citizen

time13 hours ago

  • The Citizen

US tariff of 30% confirmed for SA but negotiations continue, president says

The confirmation of the US tariff is bad news for citrus farmers, who had earlier pleaded with the president to at least secure a pause in the tariffs. The White House confirmed last night that South African goods exported to the United States (US) will be subject to a 30% tariff, but President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday morning that negotiations continue. According to the announcement, the new tariffs will no longer be implemented on Friday, 1 August, but only on Thursday, 7 August, to give the US Customs and Border Protection enough time to make the necessary changes to collect the new duties. Experts have warned that the automotive industry, as well as citrus farmers, will be the hardest hit by the US tariffs, while the signs are already evident in the automotive export sector. President Cyril Ramaphosa said this morning that he notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on South African products. He said the US imposed reciprocal tariffs on a significant number of its trade partners, and South Africa was not spared. However, he said, South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30% tariff. All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force. These exceptions cover products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products, Ramaphosa said. 'Government has been engaging with the US and submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US, and our negotiators are ready, pending an invitation from the US. 'In the meantime, government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs. The details of the measures will be announced in due course.' ALSO READ: Tau launches urgent support measures for exporters affected by US tariffs US tariffs not necessary – SA exports not a threat to US He pointed out that trade relations between South Africa and the US are complementary in nature and that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry, while South African exports to the US contain inputs from the African continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 'South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests. It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.' To do this, he said, government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of the economy, and it is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US, to assist with alternative markets. 'In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details will be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) on its website.' ALSO READ: Economists question if SA has a plan for US tariffs, Tau says here it is Framework Deal for US tariffs also going ahead Ramaphosa said government, through the DTIC, is also in constant contact with the US on the Framework Deal. The Executive order the US published on Friday clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 Eastern Daylight Time, 7 days after 1 August 2025 and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 Eastern Daylight Time on 5 October 2025, will not be subject to the additional duty and will instead remain subject to the additional duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended. ALSO READ: US tariffs: fragmentation and reshaping global supply chains and African MNEs 26 countries with US tariffs higher than 15% The White House identified 26 countries whose goods will be subjected to US tariffs of more than 15% due to 'excessive trade deficits' with the US. These countries are: Algeria: 30% Bangladesh: 20% Bosnia and Herzegovina: 30% Brunei: 25% Cambodia: 19% India: 25% Indonesia: 19% Iraq: 35% Kazakhstan: 25% Laos: 40% Libya: 30% Malaysia: 19% Moldova: 25% Myanmar: 40% Nicaragua: 18% Pakistan: 19% Philippines: 19% Serbia: 35% South Africa: 30% Sri Lanka: 20% Switzerland: 39% Syria: 41% Taiwan: 20% Thailand: 19% Tunisia: 25% Vietnam: 20% Higher tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada that are not exempt under the US-Mexico-Canada free-trade agreement will continue. Mexico agreed on Thursday to a 90-day continuation of the current 25% tariff rate, while non-exempt goods imported from Canada to the US will face a tariff of 35%, up from 25% previously.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store