Avanti in talks for Ethiopia business
April 14, 2023
By Chris Forrester
London-based speciality satellite operator Avanti Communications says it aims to enter Ethiopia to increase the country’s Internet penetration, says CEO Kyle Whitehill.
Avanti has applied for a telecoms operating license in Ethiopia and has started “active” discussions on partnerships with Safaricom and Ethio Telecom, Whitehill said, speaking to The Africa Report. Somalia is also a target for expansion in East Africa, he adds.
The news follows on from similar recent activity by Avanti in Turkey, and providing access to more than 3,000 schools in Africa.
Avanti has staffed up with some senior hirings or promotions to strengthen its management team, adding two new members to the Executive Committee.
For example, Donald Walker, Senior VP of Government and Defence and Marios Fotiou, Senior VP of Solutions Engineering and Delivery join Avanti’s executive team effective in March. Following 16 years of combined service, these appointments recognise the contribution Donald and Marios have made to the business as Avanti pursues ambitious growth targets for 2023.
Donald Walker joined Avanti in 2017, where he was responsible for developing and delivering services in support of military customers and for growing Avanti’s Defence business in the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Significant partnerships were formed under Donald’s leadership that allowed Avanti to create and grow a Defence business that delivers critical communications support to military and Government users across EMEA.
Based out of Cyprus, Marios will oversee the Solutions Engineering & Delivery Department across all of Avanti’s offices, including London, Goonhilly, Cyprus, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. As Senior VP, he will be responsible for ensuring Avanti provides the best-in-class engineering and support to customers.