Table of Contents
Key Points
- Sylvia Mulinge became CEO of MTN Uganda in 2022, focusing on growth, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.
- In fiscal year 2024, MTN Uganda posted revenue of UGX 3.17 trillion ($861.19 million) and a net profit of UGX 641.55 billion ($173.75 million).
- Mulinge is recognized globally for leadership, mentorship, and empowering women in the workplace.
In the competitive world of African telecommunications, few executives have had as much of an impact as Sylvia Wairimu Mulinge. As CEO of MTN Uganda—the country’s largest telecom operator and a key part of South Africa’s MTN Group—Mulinge isn’t just running a $1.6 billion company. She’s playing a major role in shaping how people connect, access financial services, and embrace digital life across East Africa.
When Mulinge took on the CEO role at MTN Uganda on Oct. 1, 2022, it wasn’t just a routine leadership change, it was a turning point for the company, women in leadership, and Africa’s broader business landscape.
With over 20 years of experience spanning FMCG, financial services, and telecoms, Mulinge has become known for her innovative approach and ability to adapt to market needs. Now, less than two years into her leadership, she’s already demonstrating why she is the right person for this critical time in the company’s evolution.
Mulinge: From Unilever to Safaricom leadership
Mulinge’s rise to the top has been fueled by both her academic credentials and professional drive. A First-Class Honors graduate in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi, Mulinge charted a unique career path, beginning with Unilever, where she developed a strong consumer-first mindset.
Her breakthrough came when she joined Safaricom PLC in 2006, where she played an integral role in shaping customer experience for the company, one of Kenya’s leading telecoms. During her 16 years at Safaricom, she rose through the ranks, from Senior Manager for Prepay Products to Chief Customer Officer, overseeing a transformative period for the company.
Though challenges have come her way, Mulinge has always bounced back. In 2018, she was tapped to lead Vodacom Tanzania, but delays prevented the move. Rather than slowing her down, Mulinge embraced new opportunities, managing special projects at Safaricom and eventually leading the company’s Consumer Business division. This broadened her expertise and deepened her understanding of how telecoms can create meaningful value beyond just profits.
MTN Uganda’s growth under Mulinge
At MTN Uganda, Mulinge is applying these lessons on a larger scale. With more than 17 million subscribers and a commanding presence in both voice and data, MTN Uganda is a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy. But under Mulinge’s leadership, the company is doing more than just providing telecom services—it’s helping drive national development. As Chairperson of MTN Mobile Money Uganda, she is leading efforts to expand financial inclusion, particularly in rural and unbanked communities, where mobile money is a lifeline.
The results speak for themselves. In fiscal year 2024, MTN Uganda reported a revenue of UGX 3.17 trillion ($861.19 million) and a net profit of UGX 641.55 billion ($173.75 million). The company declared a full-year dividend of UGX 22.6 per share, totaling UGX 506 billion ($137.37 million), rewarding investors and reinforcing market confidence. This success builds on the achievement of MTN Uganda’s landmark IPO, which raised over UGX 535 billion ($145.23 million), marking one of Uganda’s largest capital market events.
Breaking Barriers: Mulinge’s leadership in tech
But Mulinge’s impact goes beyond the financials. She is redefining the customer experience and expanding the role of telecoms in the digital age. She’s accelerated the company’s 4G rollout, expanded access to mobile money, and launched initiatives to help youth develop digital skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. Her ability to translate vision into action has earned her recognition as one of Uganda’s top CEOs, with accolades from Business Times Uganda and other regional publications.
What sets Mulinge apart is her holistic approach to leadership. She’s not just a seasoned executive—she’s a mentor who actively supports emerging leaders, particularly women striving to break through in Africa’s corporate world. Her board roles, including with the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association and the President’s Award–Kenya, reflect her commitment to fostering leadership, sustainability, and youth development.
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Mulinge was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2015 and ranked among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women by Avance Media in 2020. More recently, CIO Africa recognized her as one of the continent’s top 45 women in digital transformation—a clear testament to her role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Mulinge balances leadership, impact, wellness
Despite the demands of her role, Mulinge remains grounded. A devoted mother of two, she often speaks about the importance of work-life balance, mental wellness, and living with intention. From her childhood in Nakuru to her corporate rise, her story is one of consistency, vision, and a drive for positive impact. She proves that African women can lead billion-dollar companies while making meaningful contributions to society, reshaping the landscape of power, purpose, and progress on the continent.
As Sylvia Mulinge continues to guide MTN Uganda’s growth and innovation, she remains one of the most compelling figures in Africa’s business landscape. Her leadership is not just shaping the boardroom—it’s having a profound impact on communities across East Africa. In an age where telecoms are about more than just connectivity, but about enabling economies and uplifting people, Mulinge is a leader for the times.
