Rabie Jarmakani – Get to know our VAB member
It’s our pleasure to introduce our member Rabie Jarmakani, who joins the VAB community from Lagos, Nigeria. As a pioneer entrepreneur in Nigeria’s technology sector during the 1990s, he played a pivotal role in introducing Multichoice as the largest pay TV company and establishing one of the country’s first Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in 1997. Through these experiences, and many others since then, Rabie witnessed firsthand how technology transforms business landscapes and shapes corporate governance. He is now interested in furthering his knowledge of board governance and advisory board skills through VAB’s learning and networking activities. He feels this is a natural progression that will deepen his understanding of the critical relationship between technology and effective governance. He is keen to meet VAB members who share the same or similar passions.
What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?
As I scale my business operations and expand into the telecommunications sector, I recognise the importance of strategic networking. The Virtual Advisory Board presents a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts and peers, allowing me to validate and refine my approach as I move forward in this dynamic market.
In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?
Internally, board advisors bring clarity, governance discipline and expertise that can validate the strategy of any business. However, in the African context, boards are faced with unique challenges that often fragment management focus, which is why functional expertise is critical to strategic alignment. Externally, the ability of board advisors to access a global network of professionals will not only offer an additional layer of support to the business but can also provide potential investment opportunities.
What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?
As an IT professional with telecommunications experience in an emerging market, an ideal engagement would be with a mobile network operator or infrastructure provider. An engagement that requires a reimagining of how technology will chart the path in our AI-driven world that prioritises innovation and disruptive technologies in the telecommunications space. This will also include firms that provide strategic consulting services to mobile network operators, enhancing operational efficiencies and strategic initiatives in the telecom sector.
What book or podcast would you recommend to VAB members that might improve their skills in corporate governance, board advisory or boosting board-to-executive team communications?
I have read some good books on corporate governance, but the one that resonates with me is Boards That Deliver: Advancing Corporate Governance from Compliance to Competitive Advantage by Ram Charan. He presents a framework for transforming board culture and impact, especially in emerging markets where governance must be both robust and agile. For those of us operating in Africa, where innovation often outpaces regulation, this book offers practical tools for creating value at the board level and alignment with executive teams.
