Airtel Nigeria names Dinesh Balsingh as new CEO

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • Dinesh Balsingh is the new CEO of Airtel Nigeria, effective November 1, 2024.
  • He brings extensive telecom experience, having led Airtel Tanzania and previously worked as Airtel Nigeria's chief commercial officer.
  • Balsingh aims to drive innovation and enhance digital services, supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Airtel Nigeria has appointed Dinesh Balsingh as the new managing director and chief executive officer, effective Nov. 1, 2024. This leadership change reflects the company's commitment to continuing its growth and innovation in Nigeria's highly competitive telecommunications market. Balsingh's appointment is expected to further strengthen Airtel Nigeria's position as a market leader.

Dinesh Balsingh: A veteran of the telecommunications industry

Dinesh Balsingh brings over two decades of experience to his new role at Airtel Nigeria, having gained extensive leadership experience across Africa and Asia. Before his appointment, Balsingh served as the managing director and CEO of Airtel Tanzania, where he focused on growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric innovations. His time in Tanzania has been marked by notable achievements, which will guide his future work in Nigeria.

Balsingh has a long history with Airtel Nigeria, having previously served as the chief commercial officer and Marketing Director. His deep understanding of the Nigerian telecom market and customer needs positions him perfectly to lead the company into its next phase of growth. His leadership journey at Airtel began in 2013, and he brings valuable experience from his previous roles at Airtel India and Tata Docomo. This appointment marks a return to Nigeria, where Balsingh played a key role in expanding Airtel's presence and strengthening its brand.

Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and innovation

Airtel Nigeria's decision to appoint Balsingh underscores its ongoing efforts to build a leadership team capable of driving sustainable growth in the local telecom sector. Femi Adeniran, director of corporate communications and CSR for Airtel Nigeria, emphasized that Balsingh's vast industry experience and strong operational execution will be critical to achieving the company's strategic goals.

Balsingh’s knowledge of the Nigerian market, along with his proven ability to execute operational strategies, will help Airtel Nigeria fulfill its corporate purpose: transforming lives through accessible and reliable telecommunications services. This aligns with Airtel’s broader vision of bridging the digital divide and contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through technology.

Airtel Nigeria’s role in Nigeria’s economic growth

Under Balsingh’s leadership, Airtel Nigeria is poised to play an even more prominent role in driving economic growth and digital inclusion across the country. The company has already been instrumental in expanding mobile connectivity and broadband internet access. As the telecommunications market in Nigeria continues to evolve, Airtel Nigeria is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for 4G and 5G technologies, while also capitalizing on opportunities in mobile financial services.

Balsingh’s leadership comes at a time when the Nigerian telecom market is undergoing rapid transformation. His vast experience will be key in navigating this dynamic landscape and ensuring that Airtel Nigeria continues to provide innovative services that empower millions of Nigerians with access to critical services such as mobile banking, healthcare, and e-learning.

With a commitment to technological advancements and high-quality customer service, Airtel Nigeria is poised to strengthen its position as a driving force behind Nigeria's digital future.