Beya takes over after serving as acting CEO since November 2025, a period during which he oversaw the company’s strategic, operational and commercial activities. 

He joined Liquid DRC in September 2022 as chief financial officer.

His appointment brings more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, including extensive knowledge of the Congolese market. 

Before joining Liquid, Beya held senior positions at Tigo/Millicom and Orange. He also led the Tigo-Orange merger in the DRC and later served as Director of Finance and Administration at Orange Money RDC.

Commenting on the appointment, Sutha Siva, executive vice president and group chief operating officer at Cassava Technologies, said the company sees strong growth opportunities in the country.

“The DRC represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities in our region, and Bernard’s appointment comes at an important moment in our journey. 

“His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his commitment to customer success and operational excellence, will help accelerate our ambitions to expand digital infrastructure and enable greater economic growth across the country.”

During his time in leadership, Beya helped reduce the costs of operations while keeping services running. He also restored positive cash flow by improving working capital management and strengthened the company’s billing systems and internal controls.

Speaking on his new role, Beya said the company will continue to build on the progress already made while expanding access to digital services across the country.

“I am honoured to lead Liquid DRC’s next phase of growth. Our priority is to build on the strong operational and financial foundation we have established to deliver greater value for our customers and partners. 

“As a business of Cassava Technologies, we can expand access to reliable connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, colocation and compute AI for our customers. We can play a meaningful role in accelerating digital transformation for the country’s enterprises, government, and communities.”

Liquid Intelligent Technologies operates under Cassava Technologies, which has a presence in more than 40 markets across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. 

The company runs a fibre network spanning more than 116,000 kilometres, supported by satellite connectivity that delivers broadband services across the continent.

In the DRC, Liquid provides connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, colocation and AI computing services to businesses and public sector organisations.

The appointment comes as the DRC continually invests in broadband infrastructure, digital connectivity and technology skills as part of its national digital transformation plans. 

Demand for enterprise connectivity and cloud services has continued to grow, although challenges such as infrastructure gaps, high connectivity costs and regulatory hurdles remain.

Liquid said it expects Beya’s leadership to strengthen its position in the market as it supports the country’s efforts to expand digital access and drive economic growth.

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The appointment, which takes effect from 19 May 2026 through 31 December 2028, places Dr. Duru among an international network of scholars committed to advancing collaborative research, innovation, and global academic engagement.

According to the official appointment letter signed by Professor Joseph Lee, the vice-chancellor of INTI International University, the fellowship is designed to promote excellence in research, enhance institutional research standards, and foster international scholarly collaboration.

As a Research Fellow, Dr. Duru will participate in a broad range of academic and research activities, including collaborative research projects, international conferences, research symposiums, postgraduate supervision, guest lectures, research consultancy, curriculum development, and scholarly publications.

The fellowship also provides opportunities for research funding and institutional support for the dissemination of research outputs.

The appointment represents another milestone in the career of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished strategic communication and development experts.

Dr. Duru currently serves as the Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Achievers University, Owo, where he combines academic leadership with extensive practical experience gained across the public, private, humanitarian, and international development sectors.

With more than two decades of professional experience, Dr. Duru has distinguished himself through exemplary leadership in strategic communication, governance reform, humanitarian response, media management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity development.

Until recently, he served as a Communication Expert with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Nigeria. He previously led communications for the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, a landmark World Bank-supported national programme co-funded by the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency.

His extensive consultancy portfolio includes serving as Lead Communication and Advocacy Consultant on major donor-funded governance initiatives such as the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme and the UK Department for International Development (DFID)-supported Justice for All (J4A) Programme.

His work has contributed significantly to strengthening transparency, Freedom of Information implementation, justice sector reforms, and citizen engagement.

Dr. Duru also served as Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Imo State, where he spearheaded strategic government communication and public engagement initiatives.

He is widely acknowledged as one of the pioneers of Nigeria’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) process, having co-chaired the Access to Information Working Group that advanced transparency and accountability reforms nationwide.

In 2015, Duru was named among Nigeria’s leading media executives after being screened and selected among the top four percent of executives in the sector.

The recognition came with an Award of Excellence presented by a business research and publication firm led by Harvard-trained American executive Elvis Krivokuca.

His academic journey includes teaching and leadership appointments at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Prime University, Abuja, Madonna University, and currently Achievers University, Owo. He has authored several textbooks, contributed chapters to scholarly publications, and published more than fifty peer-reviewed journal articles covering public relations, development communication, journalism, media studies, advertising, and African communication systems.

Reacting to the appointment, Dr. Duru described it as an important opportunity to deepen international research collaboration and contribute to knowledge production that addresses contemporary communication and development challenges.

“This fellowship provides an excellent platform for international academic collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and knowledge exchange. I look forward to working with colleagues at INTI International University to produce impactful research that contributes to communication scholarship and sustainable development.”

Colleagues and associates have described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Duru’s longstanding contributions to scholarship, policy development, governance reforms, and strategic communication practice across Africa.

Observers note that the fellowship further strengthens the international profile of Achievers University, Owo, and reflects the growing global recognition of Nigerian scholars making significant contributions to research, innovation, and development.

Dr. Chike Walter Duru holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo, a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Imo State University, Owerri.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), and the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

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Microsoft has laid 4,800 employees, with Xbox accounting for a large share. Amy Coleman, Microsoft executive vice president, revealed this in a memo to employees, noting that the tech giant needed to focus on areas that can deliver for customers amid a fast-changing industry.

“Companies don’t get to choose whether their industry changes; they only get to choose whether they change with it,” she said.

While the company noted that it would not replace the lost roles with AI, Coleman acknowledged that “what is true is that AI is changing how work gets done.”

Asha Sharma, who recently took over as Xbox’s chief executive, said in a note to staff that this was the beginning of the most significant restructure in Xbox’s history.

She added that the sweeping layoffs would see more than 1,600 roles immediately cut at Xbox.

Sharma, in a note shared on the X app, said another 1,600 jobs would be lost in the coming year.

She added that four Xbox game development studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory and Undead Labs would also be spun off as part of the changes.

“These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one,” Sharma said.

“History is full of companies that mistake longevity for inevitability. We will not be one of them.”

In 2024, Xbox culled more than 2,000 jobs and shut down four studios acquired before Microsoft’s blockbuster purchase of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard.

Meanwhile, Microsoft earlier disclosed that it would lay off as many as 9,000 workers as it doubles down on its multi-billion-dollar AI investments.

Sharma said that while she knew the cuts were painful, a reset was needed across Xbox’s content portfolio, platform and operations.

She added that, as part of the restructuring, Minecraft developer Mojang and Candy Crush developer King would now report directly to her.

On the commercial side, Microsoft said the changes would build on its previously announced $2.5 billion plans to  embed 6,000 engineers within enterprise clients to accelerate AI adoption among customers.

The CEO told employees in a separate memo that 1,600 positions were being cut immediately, with the remaining reductions to take place through fiscal year 2027.

Xbox has gone through successive rounds of layoffs since Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard was completed in 2024 following a lengthy regulatory review over competition concerns.

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced that its Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, will retire from the Board of Directors on August 21, 2026, after completing the 12-year tenure limit for non-executive directors.

The pan-African bank also named Emmanuel N. Nnorom, a non-executive director on its board, as the incoming Group Chairman, effective August 21, 2026.

The leadership transition was announced in a statement issued by the bank on Monday, following approval at its Board meeting.

Elumelu will retire in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) corporate governance guidelines, which set a maximum tenure of 12 years for non-executive directors of commercial banks.

During his tenure as Group Chairman, the bank became one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, expanded operations across 20 African countries, and strengthened its presence in four major global financial centres.

Under his leadership, UBA grew its customer base to more than 50 million across Africa and beyond while expanding its digital banking services, strengthening corporate governance, and supporting trade, investment, and economic development across its markets.

The Board commended Elumelu for his contributions, describing his leadership as visionary and pivotal to the bank’s growth over the past decade.

“The Board places on record its profound appreciation to Mr. Elumelu for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group,” the statement said.

According to the bank, Elumelu leaves behind a stronger institution with a solid governance framework, improved operational resilience, and a clear strategic direction for future growth.

Speaking on his retirement, Elumelu described his years on the Board as one of the defining periods of his professional career.

“Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career. UBA has established a unique competitive position across Africa and globally, and I leave the Board with great confidence in UBA’s future.”

He also expressed confidence in his successor, saying Emmanuel Nnorom has the integrity, experience, and sound judgment needed to lead the Board into its next phase.

“Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience, and sound judgement, and I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership,” Elumelu said.

Nnorom is a chartered accountant and corporate executive with more than 40 years of experience in banking, finance, auditing, and corporate governance.

He has served as a Non-Executive Director on UBA’s Board and is widely regarded as having a deep understanding of the bank’s operations, strategic priorities, and governance framework.

The bank said his experience positions him to provide strong leadership as UBA enters its next phase of expansion and value creation.

Responding to his appointment, Nnorom pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.

“I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, Management, and our staff across all our markets to sustain UBA’s momentum and continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders, customers, and stakeholders.”

The leadership transition will take effect on August 21, 2026, when Elumelu formally retires from the Board.

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This milestone underscores Zedvance Finance’s commitment to building a robust governance structure capable of supporting its next phase of growth.

With an enhanced Board structure and strengthened oversight capabilities, Zedvance is positioned to accelerate its growth ambitions, deepen innovation, and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

The Company described Professor Olanrewaju as bringing “extensive boardroom experience, exceptional leadership credentials, and deep expertise in governance, strategy, and organizational transformation” to the role, further strengthening its leadership and governance framework

Speaking on his appointment, Prof. Olanrewaju stated:

“I am honoured to assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Zedvance Finance. The Company has established a strong reputation as a trusted financial partner, leveraging innovation and technology to create meaningful impact. I look forward to working with the board and management to support the Company’s strategic aspirations and deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders.”

Meet Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju 

Professor Pius ‘Deji Olanrewaju is a distinguished legal scholar, banking expert, and accomplished corporate leader with over four decades of experience spanning banking, finance, academia, and institutional governance.

He holds an LLB (Hons) BL, BA, M.Sc, LL.M and a PhD, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), a Fellow of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (FIMA), a Fellow of the Institute of Management and Administrative Technology (FCMR), and a Fellow of the Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (FERP).

He belongs to several professional bodies, among which is the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), where he served as the immediate past President/Chairman of Council aside holding other positions including Chairman of the Capacity Building and Certification Committee, following over 35 years of continuous service to the Institute. He also holds professional memberships including APNM and AMNIM.

Well-grounded in Banking and Commercial Law, Olanrewaju is a Professor of Banking Law at Babcock University, where he served as the immediate past Provost/Dean of Law in the School of Law and Security Studies, Babcock University, playing a pivotal role in advancing legal education and academic leadership. He has co-authored several books and articles in learned journals.

He seats on a number of Boards including the Board of the Babcock University MFB.

As Chairman of the Board of Zedvance, Prof. Olanrewaju brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, corporate governance, and financial services oversight.

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Soetan, former Chief Executive of Ikeja Electric, one of Nigeria’s largest electricity distribution companies, will also take on expanded responsibilities within Sahara Power Group, the company said, in a move it described as an effort to integrate its upstream and power businesses, and accelerate its Beyond XXX agenda focused on deepening impact, advancing operational excellence, and shaping the future of energy across Africa.

Sahara Group Executive Director Adedeji Odunsi said the appointment reflects the company’s push to strengthen leadership across its energy portfolio.

“Our focus is on building future-ready platforms anchored on strong leadership, clear strategy, and disciplined execution,” he said.

Arahas provides integrated oilfield services including production optimisation and asset-life extension. Odunsi said Soetan’s dual mandate is intended to create closer links between Sahara’s upstream and power operations, though the company did not disclose specific targets, timelines or financial details tied to the integration effort.

Soetan has previously held leadership roles across Nigeria and Ghana’s midstream, downstream, power and airline sectors.

At Ikeja Electric, she oversaw operational and organisational changes and customer-focused initiatives during her tenure as CEO, according to Sahara Group.

“Arahas represents a bold and timely opportunity to redefine how oilfield services are delivered across Africa,” Soetan said of her new role.

Sahara Group operates across the energy value chain in more than a dozen African countries, with interests spanning upstream, midstream, downstream and power generation.

The post Sahara Group names Folake Soetan as Arahas MD, Expands Her Role in Power Unit appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Tobe takes over after serving as managing director of Airtel Congo B since May 2023. Before that, he led Airtel Chad and also worked as commercial director at Airtel Burkina Faso.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Expresso Guinea, Ernst & Young and Coca-Cola.

His appointment comes after a period of strong growth for Airtel Kenya, which has steadily increased its presence in the country’s mobile, broadband and financial services markets.

“We welcome Djibril Tobe to his role and are confident that his expertise will steer Airtel Kenya to the next level as we continue delivering innovative and relevant solutions,” the company’s board said in a statement.

During Malhotra’s tenure, Airtel Kenya carried out the largest network expansion in its history, rolling out more than 2,000 sites across the country.

The company also launched 5G services, introduced eSIM technology, expanded its fibre offerings and rolled out its Home and Office Smart Connect broadband platform.

Airtel also strengthened its mobile money business over the same period. According to the company, Airtel Money’s market share grew from about 2% to 11% in four years.

The operator said it doubled its revenue under Malhotra’s leadership and increased its customer base from 16 million to more than 24 million subscribers. However, it does not disclose financial results for its Kenyan business.

Despite that progress, Airtel is still behind market leader Safaricom in several key segments.

According to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya for the quarter ended March 2026, Airtel accounted for 27.6% of mobile subscriptions, while Safaricom held 68.9%. In mobile broadband, Airtel had a 31.8% share compared with Safaricom’s 64.5%.

The biggest gap is in mobile money, where Airtel Money held a 10.9% market share during the period, while Safaricom’s M-PESA controlled 89.1% of the market.

Tobe now takes charge as Airtel Kenya looks to build on recent growth and further enhance its network, broadband and digital financial services business in one of East Africa’s most competitive telecoms markets.

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The company disclosed this in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, shareholders and the investing public.

Over the two decades with Access Holdings, Bolaji Agbede held several leadership positions and played an influential role in its growth and development.

Her most prominent assignment came in February 2024 after the death of the Group’s former Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe. She was appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and led the company through a difficult period while ensuring business operations continued without disruption.

In a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, the Board thanked Agbede for her years of service and the leadership she provided during one of the company’s most challenging moments.

“The Board expresses its profound appreciation for her dedicated service and for the exemplary leadership she provided as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the tragic passing of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, in February 2024. 

“During a critical period in the Group’s history, she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, stability, and commitment, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and sustained business performance.”

The Board also acknowledged her contributions to the Group over the years and wished her success in the next phase of her career.

“The Board thanks Ms. Agbede for her invaluable contributions to the Group and wishes her continued success and fulfilment in all her future endeavours.”

Before taking on the acting Group CEO role, Agbede served as Executive Director, Business Support, and had built a career spanning human resources, banking operations and customer relationship management.

She joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager after earlier working at Guaranty Trust Bank and later leading JKG Limited, a business consulting firm. Over the years, she also oversaw the Group’s human capital function, leading people development and supporting major organisational changes.

Agbede holds a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

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He succeeds Kelechi Nwosu, whose leadership established TBWA\Concept Unit as one of Nigeria’s most respected creative agencies, known for bold work like the Proudly Made in Aba campaign and Spirit of Lagos project.

In a statement released to the media, the incoming CEO said,

“The appointment signals the next chapter in TBWA\Concept Unit’s evolution. We’re expanding the Agency model. Under Nwosu, the agency began diversifying beyond traditional campaign work. George will accelerate that shift with greater intensity and structure,” the statement added.

The vision is to transform into a disciplined, future-thinking creative company that builds owned intellectual property, technology-enabled solutions, and scalable products to solve marketing performance problems for itself and its clients.

“We are not abandoning the agency model. We are expanding it,” George said. “Creativity remains our core product, but the future belongs to agencies that can turn creativity into assets, platforms, and businesses. Ideas should not only solve marketing problems; they should create economic value that compounds over time.”

During his tenure as Chief Operating Officer, George played a central role in commercial and operational leadership.

He strengthened client relationships and drove business performance across banking, telecoms, FMCG, technology, and professional services.

Speaking on George’s track record, the outgoing CEO, Kelechi Nwosu, said,

“George combines commercial discipline with a deep appreciation for creativity,” adding that “He understands both where this industry has come from and where it is going. I have every confidence he is the right leader to take TBWA\Concept Unit through its next phase of growth.”

On the Agency’s new ventures, new roles, and stronger client value, George stated that the agency has already begun developing a slate of owned ventures, including cultural and entertainment platforms designed to extend creative output beyond client campaigns. These properties will be built, scaled, and monetised independently.

To support the shift, he said,

“TBWA\Concept Unit is creating new senior roles focused on technology and product development. The goal is to direct client value through faster insight, sharper creative solutions, and new growth avenues.”

“The agency will also strengthen its role within the TBWA network while expanding influence across key African markets, positioning itself as a modern creative company that delivers both world-class communications and scalable business solutions.

The leadership transition will be formally introduced to clients, partners, and industry stakeholders over the coming weeks. George will outline his full vision at a media briefing in Lagos,” George added.

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Ajayi takes over at a time when MTN is expanding its investments in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, automation and digital services as it seeks to expand its reach across Nigeria’s competitive telecoms market.

Describing enterprise architecture, digital transformation and platform scale as key areas that have shaped her 27-year career in technology, Ajayi previously served as General Manager, Architecture and Engineering at MTN Nigeria.

During that period, she led architecture and engineering strategy across MTN’s digital, enterprise and customer-facing platforms, supporting services used by over 90 million subscribers.

Her responsibilities also included driving technology transformation programmes, overseeing platform resilience and security, and leading engineering teams across the business.

Ajayi joined MTN in 2003 as an Applications Support Engineer for billing systems and steadily rose through the ranks.

Over the years, she held several leadership positions across enterprise delivery, product development, customer experience operations and information systems before becoming General Manager, Architecture and Engineering.

In her new role, she will oversee the company’s technology strategy and infrastructure as MTN scales platform modernisation and the expansion of digital services.

Speaking on the appointment, Roger Shutte, general manager, Infrastructure and Cloud Engineering at MTN Nigeria, described her growth as recognition of years of hands-on leadership within the organisation.

“Bukola has been part of the engine room since the beginning. Not watching from a distance. Not arriving at the end. But deeply involved in the architecture, engineering, governance, resilience and execution that have shaped Technology in MTN Nigeria over the years,” he said.

Bukola Ajayi assumes the CIO position at a critical period for MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest mobile network operator which serves more than 90 million subscribers and accounts for a significant share of MTN Group’s revenue.

The company has been investing heavily in digital platforms, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence and financial services as it looks beyond traditional voice and data services.

With digital services now indispensable to its operations, Ajayi will be responsible for overseeing MTN’s technology strategy, platform development and information systems.

Her promotion further strengthens female representation in senior technology leadership roles within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, where women are underrepresented in executive technical positions.

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