Swedish based ICT company Ericsson has named Jacques Kabandana as the head of its branch in Rwanda.

This is the first time a local is appointed Country Manager of Ericsson Rwanda. Kabandana replaced Claude Sangala, a British-Congolese, who is reported to have left the company to pursue other opportunities elsewhere.

Kabandana took over the top position after working with the company for over seven years as a solutions manager. His new role officially began in October.

Before joining Ericsson, Kabandana worked with the now-defunct Rwandatel as a Mobile Network Team Leader.

Ericsson Rwanda is the major provider for telecommunications-related solutions through its network equipment and managed services for both MTN Rwanda and Airtel-Tigo, the major mobile network operators in the country.

Sector experts commended the move of having more Rwandans take up roles within Ericsson Rwanda. The company is among those known for importing labour to perform tasks that could be carried out by locals.

Kabandana takes over at a time telcom companies are investing in improving their network and expanding their product offers.

Ericsson was established more than 140 years ago and boasts of having 40% of the world’s mobile traffic carried through their networks.

Agencies

Executive Watch is a weekly column that tracks the careers and graduation of top companies in Rwanda and the region.

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