Sulaiman Duffaha

A Sudanese telecom innovator who co-founded MTN Sudan, revolutionizing mobile communication access across the country.

Sulaiman Duffaha is a Sudanese businessman who co-founded MTN Sudan in 2000, transforming telecommunications in one of Africa's most challenging markets. Under his leadership as CEO until 2015, MTN Sudan expanded mobile coverage from 10% to 95% of the population, building 14,000+ towers despite civil conflicts and sanctions. This infrastructure enabled mobile banking, healthcare, and education services that previously relied on unreliable landlines.

Duffaha's vision prioritized rural connectivity, deploying solar-powered base stations in conflict zones like Darfur. MTN's 'Mobile Money' service became a lifeline for farmers and traders in underserved regions, processing $1.2 billion in transactions monthly by 2020. His partnership with UNICEF created an SMS-based education platform used by 500,000 students during school closures.

Despite facing legal challenges and international sanctions, Duffaha maintained Sudan's telecom growth trajectory. His 2021 memoir 《Building Bridges in a Broken Landscape》 details MTN's role in stabilizing communities through connectivity. Recognized by Bloomberg as a 'Tech Titan of the Sahel,' Duffaha's legacy persists through MTN's 2023 merger with Zain Group, creating Africa's third-largest telecom conglomerate.