Airtel Africa has appointed Goriola Bakare as its Home Broadband Experience Lead, effective October 1, 2026.
In his new role, Bakare is expected to work with Airtel Africa’s operating companies to strengthen customer acquisition, improve digital engagement, boost customer retention and develop scalable commercial models to drive broadband growth across its markets. He is also expected to support the implementation of group broadband priorities at the market level and contribute to the development of a scalable operating framework for the business.
His appointment builds on more than 16 years of experience with the telecommunications group, spanning commercial strategy, product development, digital innovation and business performance management.
Prior his appointment, Bakare served as Acting Director of Home Broadband Business at Airtel Nigeria from October 2024 to March 2026. In that role, he oversaw commercial performance, revenue growth, product strategy, customer acquisition and retention, gaining experience expected to support his broader responsibilities across Airtel Africa’s markets.
Bakare previously served as Head of Products at Airtel Nigeria, where he oversaw product strategy and innovation across voice, data and broadband services. His other roles at the company included Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Commercial Project Management Office; Head of Home Broadband Products, Pricing and Solutions; and Manager, Content and Innovation.
He joined Airtel in 2009 and has since progressed through positions spanning finance, business planning, strategy, digital products and broadband leadership. Before joining the telecommunications company, he worked in financial services, including roles at Skye Bank and Pacific Holdings.
Bakare holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Babcock University, Nigeria. He is also an alumnus of Airtel Africa’s inaugural India-Africa Global Accelerator Programme.
According to Airtel, the move is aimed at strengthening the group’s home broadband business across its African markets.
The company revealed that Bakare’s appointment follows an 18-month stint leading Airtel Nigeria’s home broadband business and a six-month strategic secondment to India.
His appointment comes as telecommunications operators across Africa continue to expand home broadband services to improve connectivity and diversify revenue beyond traditional mobile voice and data offerings.