MTN group announces major leadership reshuffle

MTN Group has announced key leadership changes in major markets in a move to strengthen succession planning, improve operational execution, and advance its ambition 2025 strategy.

The reshuffle, according to the telco, is intended to reinforce the company’s focus on digital and financial inclusion across its markets.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group operating in over 20 countries disclosed that Mitwa Ng’ambi, currently the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Cameroon, will become the CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire effective March 1, 2025, succeeding Djibril Ouattara, who is taking early retirement.

MTN expressed gratitude for Ouattara’s significant contributions, stating, “We thank Djibril for his significant contributions to MTN, including his leadership of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Ouattara will support Ng’ambi during the handover period, the operator said.

Ng’ambi, who has over 15 years of telecom experience, previously served as CEO of MTN Rwanda. During her tenure, she led the successful licence renewal and listing of the company on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.

MTN highlighted her transformational leadership, noting, “Mitwa’s experience and track record will add impetus to the growth and turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.”

Wanda Matandela, currently the Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, has been appointed as the new CEO of MTN Cameroon, also effective March 1, 2025.

Matandela joined MTN in 2018 and played a key role in turning around the enterprise business.

MTN emphasised his strong background, stating, “Wanda’s strong commercial and stakeholder management experience will be invaluable as he builds on the high impact and energy created under Mitwa’s leadership.”

In another strategic shift, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, will take on the additional role of CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco) starting January 1, 2025.

This new role will encompass Bayobab’s mobility and fibre businesses, as well as executing MTN’s data centre strategy.

MTN underscored Mroue’s suitability for the role, stating, “His strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfil this dual mandate.”

The changes come as the current CEO of Bayobab, Frédéric Schepens, leaves the group immediately.

MTN acknowledged his contributions, stating, “We thank Frédéric for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours.”

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita expressed confidence in the company’s internal leadership pipeline, saying, “These appointments reflect the strength of our internal talent and reinforce our commitment to delivering on our digital and financial inclusion goals.”

He also stressed the importance of maintaining operational execution across MTN’s markets.

The leadership changes align with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on accelerating growth, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding access to digital and financial services across Africa.