Mozambique: Nuno Quelhas is Vodacom’s new strongman

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Mozambique: Nuno Quelhas is Vodacom’s new strongman

1:50 CAT | 22 Apr 2020

Photo: O País

Nuno Quelhas has assumed the chair of the Vodacom Mozambique board of directors, succeeding Salimo Abdula, who was in charge of the company for three years. Quelhas takes over the leadership of Vodacom at a time when a large part of the public is complaining about the high fees charged by the operator.

The new chairman of the board will be in office for a period of three years, under the rotation arrangement of shareholders in the communications operator. Nuno Quelhas was elected on behalf of Whatana Investments.

This is the first time that Quelhas has assumed the chairmanship of the communication operator. Prior to his election, he was a member of the company’s board of directors, giving him extensive knowledge of the enterprise he is now managing.

Quelhas, who has wide experience of business leadership and management, wants to continue the projects initiated by his predecessors, which have positioned Vodacom as an innovative institution and the number one in communication services in Mozambique.

“For now, the strategy is to consolidate Vodacom’s position as an active company in Mozambican society and, thus, continue to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society,” Quelhas said.

Among the challenges the new chairman faces is continuing the social projects initiated by Salimo Abdula. “I intend to continue the work developed so far. Vodacom is one of the companies responsible for the economic and social growth of Mozambique, becoming increasingly indispensable in the life of Mozambicans,” he added.

During his mandate, Salimo Abdula initiated several technological dynamics aimed at sustaining Vodacom’s position as the country’s main communication operator.

Among its social commitments, the former chairman led several initiatives, with emphasis on the “Faz Crescer” programme, currently Vodacom’s largest social investment in the area of education. The company has also maintained support for agriculture, through the supply of seeds, and in health, particularly fighting malaria.

Salimo Abdula leaves the presidency of Vodacom, but remains a member of the board of directors.

Recent data from the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INAC) indicates that Vodacom has the largest share of the mobile data market, with around six million customers, followed by Movitel, with around four million, and state-owned TMcel, with just over three million customers.

Source: Magazine Independente / Lusa