Airtel makes new appointments to improve Francophone regions

The new development sees the two executives take leadership roles in two African nations with diverse potential in the telecommunications sector. Gabon has one of the highest teledensity statistics at over a 100% whilst DRC, the second largest country in Africa by area, has an approximated 25% penetration.

Speaking on the appointments, Tiemoko Coulibaly, CEO (Francophone Africa), Bharti Airtel, said "These appointments are a clear indication of our commitment to appreciate and tap into the deep reservoir of management skills of the blue chip executive pool in Africa. Mr. Luballa and Mr. Pambaro have the requisite experience and leadership skills to successfully steer our top francophone operations."

He added: "Both executives will bring different perspectives to two of Africa's most dynamic telecommunications markets."

Lubala and Pamboro will add significant value to Airtel's customers in each country, Luballa will lead an aggressive agenda in DRC to ramp up the organisation's network capabilities and grow availability across the vast country whilst Pambaro will build a strong data proposition for Airtel's customers in Gabon.

About Louis Lubala

Pambaro, holds a Master's Degree in Telecommunications Civil Engineering from the Superior National School of Telecommunications, France and a Bachelor's degree in Maths & Physics from the University of Reims, France. A career engineer, he headed operations in Airtel DRC and brings over 28 years of deep telecommunications experience in both the public and private sectors. He joined the company in 2000 from MTN having had a career spanning several senior leadership roles.

Before taking up the managing director role, hehad been working as Managing Director for Celtel Congo Brazzaville. Mr Pambaro also worked for Camtel Mobile in Cameroon as Managing Director.

About Antoine Pamboro

Antoine's time at Airtel DRC saw him grow the customer base to over 7 million over a period of five years since he took up the position. This was achieved through a unique Airtel business model with a deep regional focus that created robust relationships with key stakeholders.

Before his appointment as the managing director for DRC, Luballa headed Airtel operations in Gabon. He brings over 25 years' experience from both the telecommunication and the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors having worked with multinational companies such as Electric Liberty - South Africa, MultiChoice Africa, World Space - Southern Africa, Quantum International, Unilever Cote d'Ivoire, Lever Brothers South Africa and Unilever DRC.