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MTN Group unveils key leadership changes to strengthen succession and drive growth
MTN Group has announced pivotal leadership appointments as part of its ongoing strategy to enhance succession planning, operational excellence, and the realization of its Ambition 2025 strategy. These changes reflect MTN’s commitment to fostering internal talent while advancing its priorities in digital and financial inclusion across its markets.
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Operating Companies’ Leadership Updates
Mitwa Ng’ambi to Lead MTN Côte d’Ivoire
Effective 1 March 2025, Mitwa Ng’ambi, current CEO of MTN Cameroon, will transition to the role of CEO at MTN Côte d’Ivoire. She succeeds Djibril Ouattara, who is taking early retirement. Djibril, recognized for his significant contributions, will assist in a seamless handover during Mitwa’s onboarding period.
With over 15 years of telecom experience, Mitwa has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving growth and transformation. Highlights of her career include:
- Leading MTN Cameroon since September 2022.
- Serving as Board Chairperson of MTN’s fintech subsidiary, Mobile Money Corporation.
- Driving MTN Rwanda’s growth, licence renewal, and listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange as its former CEO.
- Holding leadership roles at Airtel Tigo in Ghana and Tigo in Senegal.
Mitwa’s extensive expertise and proven track record position her to spearhead growth and innovation at MTN Côte d’Ivoire.
Wanda Matandela Appointed CEO of MTN Cameroon
Wanda Matandela, currently Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, will succeed Mitwa Ng’ambi as CEO of MTN Cameroon, starting 1 March 2025. Wanda joined MTN in 2018 and has over 20 years of experience, with more than 13 years in telecoms.
Key achievements include:
- Leading the turnaround of MTN’s enterprise business in South Africa.
- Serving on the boards of Supersonic (Pty) Ltd and MTN Rwanda PLC.
Wanda’s expertise in commercial strategy and stakeholder management will build on the momentum created under Mitwa’s leadership, driving continued growth and impact in Cameroon.
Leadership Transition at Digital Infrastructure Business
Effective 1 January 2025, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will take on an expanded role as CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco). In this dual role, Mazen will oversee:
- Mobility and fibre businesses of Bayobab.
- Execution of MTN’s data centre strategy.
- Strategic positioning for AI-driven growth across Africa.
Mazen’s extensive experience includes over two decades at MTN, holding senior roles in Africa and the Middle East, including CEO and COO positions. His proven operational and technological expertise makes him well-suited to drive MTN’s digital infrastructure and AI growth ambitions.
Departure of Bayobab CEO
Frédéric Schepens, current CEO of Bayobab, will be leaving the MTN Group immediately. MTN extends gratitude for his contributions and wishes him success in future endeavours.
CEO Remarks on Leadership Changes
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President & CEO, expressed confidence in the internal succession planning and bench strength of MTN’s leadership team. He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to executing its Ambition 2025 strategy and advancing its digital and financial inclusion goals across Africa.
Key Takeaways
- MTN demonstrates its commitment to talent development and internal succession.
- Leadership transitions align with Ambition 2025 goals of digital transformation and inclusion.
- Strategic focus on digital infrastructure, AI development, and operational growth.
