MTN Group has unveiled significant leadership changes aimed at addressing succession planning, enhancing operational execution, and advancing its Ambition 2025 strategy. These changes will impact MTN Group’s operating companies and its fiber business.
Effective January 1, 2025, Mazen Mroue, the current MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will take on additional responsibilities as the CEO of Digital Infrastructure. This new role will encompass the mobility and fiber businesses of Bayobab, as well as the execution of MTN’s data center strategy. This strategic move is designed to position the company for growth and profitability, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa.
In his dual role, Mroue will continue to report to the Group President and CEO and remain a member of the Group Executive Committee. Since joining MTN in 1998, Mroue has held various senior positions within the group’s regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including CEO and COO roles across multiple operating companies. He has also served as a board member of various companies within the MTN Group. The company notes that Mroue’s strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfill this dual mandate.
Meanwhile, Frédéric Schepens, the current CEO of Bayobab, will be leaving the group effective immediately. In terms of leadership changes across its operating companies, Wanda Matandela, the Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, has been appointed as the new CEO for MTN Cameroon, effective March 1, 2025. Matandela joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer and has been instrumental in driving the turnaround of the business. With over 20 years of experience, including more than 13 years in telecoms, he has held strategic roles across the FMCG and financial services sectors. Matandela also serves on the boards of Supersonic and MTN Rwanda.
Mitwa Ng’ambi, the current CEO of MTN Cameroon, will transition to the same position at MTN Côte d’Ivoire, effective March 1, 2025, as Djibril Ouattara takes early retirement. To ensure a smooth handover, Ouattara will support Mitwa during her transition for a few months. Mitwa brings over 15 years of telecom experience and transformational leadership, having served as CEO of MTN Cameroon since September 2022. She is also the board chairperson of Mobile Money Corporation, MTN’s fintech subsidiary in Cameroon. Prior to her role in Cameroon, Mitwa was the CEO of MTN Rwanda, where she led the renewal of the company’s license and spearheaded its growth and listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. She has also held leadership positions at Airtel Tigo in Ghana and Tigo in Senegal. Mitwa’s extensive experience and proven track record are expected to drive the growth and turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita extended his best wishes and appreciation to all incoming and outgoing colleagues, expressing confidence in the internal succession bench-strength of the business. He emphasized the importance of driving execution and maintaining the company’s commitment to digital and financial inclusion priorities across its markets.
