With over 22 years of international experience in the Telecommunications industry of emerging and post conflict markets, Akbar has proven expertise successfully driving technology strategy and architecture within Mobile Service Providers.

Having started his career with Roshan in Afghanistan, Akbar moved on to the Nokia Siemens Networks in Qatar in 2008. During his tenure at Millicom between 2009 and 2013, Akbar was responsible for the carve out of the towerco business. He then joined Smart as Group COO and was soon elevated to Acting CEO, prior to being asked to take the reins of the company’s larger operation, in Burundi as the CEO in 2015.

Since November 2021 Akbar joined GTS as Executive Vice President for the Middle East and Africa region and has driving the Finbraine(on demand lending Fintech) as a business unit given his Digital payment experience in the African market.

Akbar is an Electronic Engineer from the University of Mumbai with a Master of Science

in Mobile Communication from Kings College London, in addition to attending the Accelerated Development Program at the London Business School.

Akbar is passionate about connecting the unconnected and lately, banking the unbanked.