Bayobab, MTN’s wholesale digital infrastructure subsidiary, has appointed Rabih Kanaan as Managing Director: East to West. In this role, Rabih will lead the East to West (E2W) holding company, overseeing the strategic growth and execution of Bayobab’s operations across key markets.
Rabih brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having joined Bayobab in April 2019 as Senior Manager: Dry Segment Fiber Projects, and later advancing to Senior Manager: Subsea & Terrestrial Fiber. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding Bayobab’s fiber network across multiple African countries, including spearheading major subsea projects like 2Africa and Equiano. His leadership in managing partnerships, suppliers, and stakeholders was crucial in driving cost efficiencies and accelerating time to market, earning him the Unique Contributor Award for several consecutive years.
“The team is excited to welcome Rabih as Managing Director: East to West. His proven leadership and exceptional contributions have left a lasting impact on the organization, and as we enter a critical phase of the East to West project, we are confident his expertise, vision, and innovative approach will drive continued success,” said Mohammed Aliyu, Bayobab’s Chief FibreCo Officer. “This appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity across the region and advancing Africa’s digital future.”
Before Bayobab, Rabih had extensive experience in Holdco MTN, where he spent 19 years across the group’s OpCos, holding senior leadership roles, such as Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) of MTN South Sudan. His deep understanding of the African telecom landscape and his extensive expertise in fiber infrastructure position him perfectly to lead Bayobab’s next phase of growth.
Rabih holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and certifications in Telecommunication Science and Project Management Professional (PMP). He has also completed a number of certifications in Leadership, Marketing, Sales, Business Strategies, and Program Management.
