MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has announced a significant leadership reshuffle effective November 1, 2025, aimed at strengthening its Ambition 2025 strategy.
This strategic realignment focuses on enhancing operational execution and succession planning and accelerating growth in connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure across its 16 markets, serving nearly 298 million subscribers.
Key Leadership Changes at MTN Group
1. Karl Toriola’s Expanded Role as VP of Francophone Africa
Dr Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, will take on the additional role of Vice President for Francophone Africa, overseeing operations in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
Toriola, who has led MTN Nigeria to a historic N10 trillion market capitalisation, brings extensive experience from his prior roles, including VP of West and Central Africa and CEO of MTN Cameroon.
His dual role signals MTN’s confidence in Nigerian leadership to drive growth in key Francophone markets while maintaining Nigeria’s position as the group’s most profitable market, contributing over one-third of its revenue.
2. Ferdi Moolman Appointed CEO of MTN South Africa
Ferdi Moolman, currently MTN Group Chief Risk Officer and former CEO of MTN Nigeria (2016–2021), will assume the role of CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa, succeeding Charles Molapisi.
READ ALSO:How MTN Ghana Beat Nigeria by $56M in Profit With Fewer Users
Moolman’s extensive experience across senior roles within the group positions him to accelerate growth and strengthen returns in South Africa, MTN’s home market.
Yolanda Cuba, previously VP for Southern and East Africa, will support Moolman as Deputy CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa, bringing her regional expertise to enhance market leadership.
3. Charles Molapisi Returns to Group Chief Technology and Information Officer
Charles Molapisi, outgoing CEO of MTN South Africa, will resume his previous role as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO) with an expanded mandate to accelerate AI adoption across MTN’s operations.
His leadership during South Africa’s challenging period of power outages demonstrated resilience in maintaining network stability.
4. Mazen Mroue to Lead Digital Infrastructure
Mazen Mroue, current Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, will take on additional responsibilities as CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco) starting January 1, 2025.
This role incorporates Bayobab’s mobility and fibre businesses and focuses on executing MTN’s data centre strategy, positioning the group for growth in AI and digital infrastructure across Africa.
Mroue’s appointment follows the immediate departure of Bayobab CEO Frédéric Schepens, who played a key role in growing Bayobab’s assets to over $500 million.
5. Other Strategic Appointments
- Mitwa Ng’ambi will transition from CEO of MTN Cameroon to CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire on March 1, 2025, succeeding Djibril Ouattara, who is taking early retirement. Ng’ambi’s 15 years of telecom experience, including her successful tenure in Rwanda and Cameroon, will drive growth in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Wanda Matandela, Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, will become CEO of MTN Cameroon, leveraging his 20 years of experience to build on Ng’ambi’s achievements.
- Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice President of Markets, will lead Ghana, Southern, and East Africa operations, covering nine countries, to strengthen regional performance.
- Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer, will take on additional responsibilities for strategy and transformation, while Tsholofelo Molefe, Group CFO, will oversee mergers and acquisitions.
- Mapula Bodibe will move from CEO of MTN Rwanda to CEO of MTN South Sudan, driving innovation and growth in East Africa.
- Sindisiwe Mabaso-Koyana will succeed Mike Harper as Chairperson of MTN South Africa in Q1 2026, following Harper’s retirement.
Aligning with the Ambition 2025 Strategy
MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy focuses on three core platforms: Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure. The leadership reshuffle is designed to streamline operations and sharpen execution in these areas.
Key objectives include:
- Connectivity: Expanding home broadband and simplifying digital offerings to capture growing data demand. MTN reported a 36.5% surge in data revenue in H1 2025, driven by markets like Nigeria and Ghana.
- Fintech: Scaling mobile money platforms like MTN MoMo, which saw a 37.3% revenue increase in H1 2025, enhancing financial inclusion.
- Digital Infrastructure: Accelerating fibre rollout, data centre expansion, and AI-driven growth, with Mroue’s dual role positioning MTN as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
The reshuffle reflects MTN’s commitment to internal talent development, with Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita emphasising the “depth of talent and experience” across the group.
The changes aim to ensure sustainable growth beyond 2025, adapting to evolving geopolitical, macroeconomic, and technological landscapes.
READ ALSO:How MTN Uganda’s H1 2025 Performance Signals a Fintech Powerhouse in the Making
Why This Reshuffle Matters
The leadership realignment positions MTN to navigate Africa’s complex digital landscape while capitalising on structural growth opportunities.
By placing experienced leaders like Toriola, Moolman, and Mroue in strategic roles, MTN is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and innovation.
The focus on internal succession also highlights the group’s strong talent pool, ensuring continuity and adaptability.
For stakeholders, these changes signal MTN’s proactive approach to sustaining its position as Africa’s leading telecom operator.
With a clear focus on connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure, MTN is well-positioned to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion across the continent.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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