Mamy Diaby has been installed as the new Director General of Areeba Guinea, a telecommunications company facing significant challenges. Diaby outlined a five-point plan to restructure the company, which includes rationalizing costs, modernizing the network, relaunching commercial activities, and transforming the company's economic model. He expressed gratitude to President Mamadi Doumbouya for the appointment and acknowledged the difficulties ahead.
The handover ceremony took place at the company's headquarters in Coléah, in the presence of workers, union representatives, and regulatory authorities. Diaby paid tribute to his predecessor, Djemori Kouyaté, for his efforts in maintaining the integrity of the network during his 11-month tenure as interim Director General. Diaby recognized the scale of the challenges facing Areeba Guinea, including a lack of technological investment, declining margins on traditional services, and increased competition.
Diaby's restructuring plan aims to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach. The first axis focuses on rationalizing operational costs to restore financial flexibility and prevent immediate bankruptcy. The second axis aims to stabilize operations and technical infrastructure. The third axis prioritizes investments in high-value-added activities, such as infrastructure deployment, new technologies, and improved customer experience.
The fourth axis aims to strengthen commercial response and customer loyalty, while the fifth axis focuses on transforming the company's economic model. Diaby warned that this transformation will require significant changes in work methods and organizational structure. He emphasized the need for transparency, respect, and constructive social dialogue with union representatives.
Despite the challenges, Diaby expressed confidence in the company's potential for recovery, citing its extensive network, customer base, and skilled workforce. Outgoing Director General Djemori Kouyaté reflected on his 11-month tenure, marked by technical, financial, and energy-related difficulties. He highlighted efforts to maintain activities and preserve jobs, as well as the state's support in ensuring the company's social assets were preserved.
Kouyaté cited aging equipment, energy access difficulties, and intense market competition as significant challenges. He also noted that the company's financial situation was strained due to declining revenues and lack of investment from the MTN group over the past decade. Nevertheless, he welcomed state support that helped maintain workers' social benefits.
The appointment of Mamy Diaby and the restructuring plan come at a critical time for Areeba Guinea, which is striving to overcome its challenges and remain a key player in the country's telecommunications sector. The success of the restructuring efforts will depend on effective implementation and collaboration with stakeholders, including workers, union representatives, and regulatory authorities.
Key points
- Mamy Diaby has been appointed as the new Director General of Areeba Guinea.
- Diaby has announced a comprehensive restructuring plan to address the company's financial, technical, and operational challenges.
- The restructuring plan includes five axes: rationalizing costs, modernizing the network, relaunching commercial activities, transforming the economic model, and strengthening commercial response and customer loyalty.
