Joy Agwunobi
MTN Group has announced a far-reaching executive reshuffle and structural adjustments designed to accelerate its Ambition 2025 strategy and position the telecoms giant for growth beyond the current strategic horizon.
The changes, which take effect on November 1, 2025, expand leadership responsibilities across the Group’s key markets, with a stronger emphasis on connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure as Africa’s digital economy evolves.
At the centre of the shake-up is Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, who has been handed an expanded mandate as Vice President of Francophone Africa. In his dual role, Toriola will continue leading Nigeria’s largest telecoms operator while also overseeing operations in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
Toriola, who previously managed MTN’s West and Central Africa operations, is expected to leverage his deep experience to strengthen MTN’s presence in Francophone Africa, which the Group describes as a critical growth frontier.
The announcement comes after months of strategic review by MTN’s board, which assessed the progress of Ambition 2025 in the context of shifting geopolitical, economic, and technological trends.
Despite lingering challenges, the Group believes Africa presents enormous opportunities to fast-track its digital transformation agenda through three core platforms: Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure.
“These leadership changes illustrate the depth of talent and experience across MTN. They position us to execute with greater focus, deliver accelerated growth beyond 2025, and create long-term value for all stakeholders,” said Ralph Mupita, MTN Group president and CEO.
Under the new structure, several top executives have been reassigned to sharpen execution across MTN’s vast operations, Karl Toriola will continue as chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria while taking on an expanded role as vice president of Francophone Africa, with oversight of operations in Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
Ebenezer Asante assumes responsibility as vice president for Ghana and Southern & East Africa, where his focus will be on accelerating growth across Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, South Sudan, Sudan, Liberia, and joint ventures in Eswatini and Botswana.
Ferdi Moolman has been appointed chief executive officer and executive director of MTN South Africa, succeeding Charles Molapisi, while Yolanda Cuba transitions from the Group Executive Committee to become deputy CEO and executive director of MTN South Africa.
Tsholofelo Molefe, Group chief financial officer, will now oversee mergers and acquisitions in addition to capital allocation, broadening her responsibilities.
At the Group level, Selorm Adadevoh takes on the position of Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer. Mazen Mroué will remain as CEO of Digital Infrastructure but with a sharpened mandate covering fibre expansion, data centres, tower partnerships, and non-terrestrial networks.
Meanwhile, Charles Molapisi, who steps down as CEO of MTN South Africa, returns to his former position as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, this time with a specific mandate to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across MTN’s operations.
The reshuffle also marks a new chapter for MTN’s South Africa business. Ferdi Moolman, who previously steered MTN Nigeria, will now lead MTN South Africa, supported by Yolanda Cuba as deputy CEO.
The duo is tasked with consolidating growth and maximising returns, building on the resilience demonstrated under Molapisi’s leadership, which navigated the company through prolonged power outages and operational pressures.
In governance, Sindisiwe (Sindi) Mabaso-Koyana will succeed Mike Harper as chairperson of MTN South Africa in the first quarter of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition as Harper prepares for retirement.
The leadership realignment reflects MTN’s sharpened focus on its three platforms. Within Connectivity, the Group will target household penetration and simplify digital offerings. In Fintech, it plans to scale its digital-first business, while Digital Infrastructure will prioritise fibre expansion, data centres, tower partnerships, and the integration of AI technologies.
“As we look beyond 2025, our strategic focus on Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure will allow us to unlock Africa’s digital future. These leadership changes strengthen our ability to deliver,” Mupita said.
