Ory Okolloh, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo and Frehiwot Tamiru have been appointed to the GSMA Foundation Board to support digital technology for those in underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries.
Ory Okolloh is a Partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures and is a powerful figure in the Kenyan tech circles having co-founded iHub, Mzalendo, Baraza Media Lab among others. Ory resigned from the Safaricom Board in July 2024 to pursue her other interests. She empowers visionary founders to create transformative businesses that redefine industries and communities. A celebrated figure, Ory has been recognised by Time 100 and Forbes as one of Africa’s most influential women.
Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo, where he spearheads the company’s operations across 10 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Since his appointment in 2020, Aziz has driven Ooredoo’s evolution into a leader in digital innovation and connectivity.
Frehiwot Tamiru is the Chief Executive Officer of Ethio Telecom. Frehiwot is an influential, result-oriented leader who is known for her consistency and determination, bringing profound changes and a track record of success within the organisation.
These three new members join Kaan Terzioğlu, Group CEO, Veon Group and Chair, GSMA Foundation, John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA and President, GSMA Foundation, Akinwale Goodluck, Deputy CEO, AfricaNenda, Lisa Hehenberger, Associate Professor, ESADE; Director, Esade Center for Social Impact, Louise Easterbrook, Chief Financial Officer, GSMA and Treasurer, GSMA Foundation and Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA, on the Board.
“We’re delighted to welcome Frehiwot, Ory and Aziz to the GSMA Foundation Board, where their broad vision, talent and expertise will fuel our direction and growth in new and exciting ways. The Board is committed to delivering on our mission, driving sustainable, impactful change through innovation and digital technology.” Kaan Terzioğlu, Group Chief Executive Officer of VEON Group and Chair of the GSMA Foundation Board
The GSMA Foundation, primarily through funding from its donor partners and the GSMA, researches, supports and demonstrates the transformative effects of digital technology for those in underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries. Mobile for Development, as part of the Foundation, embodies this mission by working with mobile operators, the development community, investors, governments and the private sector to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital world.
The GSMA’s incoming Director General, Vivek Badrinath, will join the GSMA Foundation Board in April 2025.
Ory Okolloh has served on Omidyar Group’s Board, the boards of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company, Twiga Foods, Endeavor Kenya and Stanbic Holdings.