Regional Managing Director – South & East Africa

This role will oversee Bayobab’s operations and performance in Kenya, while also providing overall management oversight for all South and East Bayobab OpCos.At Bayobab, we are Lead with Care, Can-do with Integrity, Collaborate with Agility, Serve with Respect and Act with Inclusion.1. Company Overview, Vision & ValuesMTN Digital Infrastructure – Bayobab is a purpose-driven and value-led organization.At Bayobab, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, every day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our organisation is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers, and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!2. Mission/ Core purpose of the JobThe Regional Managing Director (MD) – South & East at MTN Digital Infrastructure - Bayobab Group will spearhead Bayobab’s growth, profitability, and operational excellence across South and Eastern Africa markets, while directly leading the Bayobab Kenya business. The role is responsible for translating Bayobab’s Pan-African connectivity vision into regional impact—driving commercial performance, network monetisation, and customer value through strategic leadership and cross-border collaboration.Acting as a catalyst for integration, innovation, and execution, the Regional MD will ensure that Bayobab’s infrastructure assets are optimally leveraged to deliver sustainable revenue growth, market expansion, and regional competitiveness. The incumbent will build strong stakeholder partnerships, ensure governance alignment, and promote a high-performance culture anchored in Bayobab’s values of leading with care, innovation, inclusion, and integrity.In essence, the role exists to position the South & East region as a key growth engine for Bayobab, advancing the Group’s ambition to connect Africa’s digital future through world-class open-access fibre networks.3. Key Performance AreasThe Regional Managing Director – South & East will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:Regional Strategy Development and ExecutionDevelop and implement a South & East Regional business strategy aligned with Group and FibreCo objectivesDrive integration of country strategies in South and Eastern Africa into a coherent regional growth planEnsure alignment of commercial, operational, and customer experience priorities across countries.Identify new regional commercial opportunities and partnerships for network monetisation.Champion a performance-driven culture across all country operations.Develop and execute Bayobab Kenya’s business strategy aligned with Group objectives.Translate Group and FibreCo strategies into operational plans with clear performance targets.Lead annual strategy reviews and adjust plans to reflect evolving market and regulatory realities.Identify and capitalize on new commercial opportunities to drive revenue growth and market share.Ensure optimal alignment between business priorities, customer needs, and national ICT objectives.Operational and Financial ManagementOversee network infrastructure deployment, operations, and service delivery across the region.Ensure optimal utilisation of shared assets, reducing duplication and improving regional efficiency.Lead regional P&L performance and consolidate financial reporting across countries.Drive EBITDA growth through sound financial management, cost control, and revenue optimization.Approve budgets, monitor cash flows, and ensure prudent resource utilization.Implement internal controls, financial governance, and compliance with audit requirements.Review and approve key projects, capital investments, and performance reports.Commercial Leadership and Revenue GrowthOversee regional sales and business development teams to drive new revenue streams.Champion initiatives to monetise Bayobab’s network assets regionally.Strengthen customer acquisition and retention strategies across markets.Foster collaboration between regional and in-country commercial teams to enhance value creation.Governance and ComplianceServe as the principal executive officer for the region and for Bayobab Kenya, ensuring full governance complianceEnsure consistent application of Bayobab’s governance frameworks across all operating countriesRepresent the region at Group governance and audit committees as requiredChair the Executive Committee and serve on the Kenya FibreCo Board.Oversee implementation of risk management and internal control frameworks.Report monthly and quarterly to the Chief FibreCo Officer and Bayobab CEO on operational performance.Stakeholder ManagementBuild and maintain high-level relationships with regulators, government entities, and telecom authorities across all five countries.Represent Bayobab in regional ICT forums, strategic alliances, and multi-country policy engagements.Collaborate closely with MTN OpCos, local fibre entities, and external partners to advance shared connectivity goals.Manage investor and shareholder expectations by ensuring transparent communication.Promote Bayobab’s reputation and position as a trusted industry leader.Leadership and People ManagementLead and mentor country leadership teams (MDs/Heads of Operations/Sales Leads).Build cross-border collaboration and shared learning across markets.Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation, and ethical leadership.Ensure effective succession planning, talent development, and retention.Lead change management initiatives to align people and processes with strategic goals.Business Development and PartnershipsLead regional engagement with wholesale customers, carriers, and hyperscalers.Explore opportunities for cross-border fibre integration and joint infrastructure investments.Identify strategic partnerships to expand network reach and commercialisation.Promote an open-access model that enhances Bayobab’s market competitiveness.Oversee customer experience initiatives to enhance service quality and retention.Reporting and Performance ManagementConsolidate country-level performance dashboards into a regional scorecard.Present regular regional performance updates to the Chief FibreCo Officer and Bayobab CEOMonitor key operational and financial KPIs and ensure corrective action where required.Drive continuous improvement and ensure alignment with Group benchmarks.4. Job Requirements Education:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related fieldMBA/master’s in business or Regional Development will be advantageous.Experience:12–15 years post-qualification experience in wholesale/infrastructure/B2B telecommunications.Proven experience managing multi-country operations or regional business portfolios.At least 5 years in senior executive management within telecom or infrastructure sectors.Demonstrated success in driving regional growth, network monetisation, and cross-border collaboration.Proficient in driving company’s financial performance, business growth and technology/infrastructure expansionExperience working in a global/multinational enterprise with a good understanding emerging marketCompetencies: Deep understanding of regional telecom markets and regulatory landscapes.Strategic and financial acumen with strong operational oversight capability.Leadership in multicultural, cross-border environments.Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across multiple countriesFunctional Knowledge: Wholesale/infrastructure/B2B TelecommunicationsBoard Management & Corporate GovernanceBusiness and Finance acumenSales strategy planning and executionProduct Strategy & RoadmapBusiness developmentTechnology & Infrastructure deploymentCustomer value managementAccount managementOther:Regional and international travel