In a world where technology drives economic transformation, few leaders have stood out with the blend of technical brilliance and strategic foresight like Sylvia Elsheikh, our Woman of the Week. Recently appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MTN Uganda, Sylvia brings a wealth of experience, a legacy of innovation, and a clear passion for customer-focused growth in Africa’s telecom space.

A Strategic Leader with Pan-African Impact

Sylvia Elsheikh’s career spans over 18 years across top-tier positions in the telecommunications and commercial sectors. Her latest role at MTN Uganda marks a return to the MTN family, where she previously served in various capacities in MTN Sudan, including Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Manager for Segment Pricing & Acquisition, and Manager for Value-Added Services.

Her most recent success was at Airtel Zambia, where she served as CMO from 2022 to 2025. Under her leadership, Airtel not only launched the country’s largest 5G and LTE TDD networks but also introduced Voice over LTE (VoLTE), positioning the company as a tech-forward leader in Zambia. Impressively, she helped the company gain over 60% value market share, a clear testament to her strategic influence.

A Rare Blend of Engineering and Marketing Expertise

What sets Sylvia apart is her unique academic foundation—a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, complemented by a Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing Management. This rare combination gives her both the technical acumen to understand the complexities of telecom infrastructure and the commercial insight to drive market success.

Committed to Innovation and Inclusion

Sylvia Elsheikh is not just a marketer—she is a visionary who understands that innovation must be meaningful. In her own words:

“I am thrilled to return to the MTN family and excited to join MTN Uganda, a brand that stands tall for innovation, inclusion, and impact. I look forward to delivering bold, relevant, and customer‑focused marketing strategies that resonate with Uganda’s dynamic market.”

Her appointment has also been warmly welcomed by Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, who noted:

“Sylvia’s extensive regional experience, proven leadership, and passion for customer-centric marketing make her a valuable addition… We are confident she will play a key role in sustaining our market leadership and shaping the next phase of our growth.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

In an industry often dominated by men, Sylvia Elsheikh’s rise to executive leadership is both refreshing and empowering. She represents a growing wave of African women leaders breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence in tech and business.

As she steps into her new role at MTN Uganda on July 14, 2025, the expectations are high—but so is her capacity to exceed them. Whether it’s advancing digital adoption, deepening customer engagement, or promoting inclusive innovation, Sylvia is poised to leave an indelible mark.

Sylvia Elsheikh is more than a marketing executive—she is a symbol of resilience, brilliance, and progressive leadership in Africa.

Let her journey remind us that when skill meets purpose, the possibilities are limitless.