MTN Group has announced sweeping leadership and structural changes to strengthen its Ambition 2025 strategy and prepare for growth beyond the current strategic horizon.
At the heart of these changes is the appointment of Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, to an expanded role as Vice President of Francophone Africa, where he will oversee growth and market share expansion across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
Toriola, who previously held responsibilities across MTN’s West and Central Africa operations, brings deep experience to this new assignment.
His dual role underscores the Group’s commitment to Francophone markets, which remain key growth engines within Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Adapting to a Shifting Landscape
The announcement follows months of strategic review by MTN’s board, which evaluated the progress of Ambition 2025 in light of shifting geopolitical, macroeconomic, and technology trends.
While challenges remain, MTN sees enormous opportunity to accelerate Africa’s digital future by focusing on three core platforms: Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure.
Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, explained:
“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.”
Key Executive Changes
To strengthen execution, the Group has restructured its executive committee (Exco) effective 1 November 2025:
- Karl Toriola – CEO, MTN Nigeria and VP of Francophone Africa, leading operations in Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
- Ebenezer Asante – VP of Ghana and Southern & East Africa (SEA), focusing on accelerating growth in Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, South Sudan, Sudan, Liberia, and joint ventures in Eswatini and Botswana.
- Ferdi Moolman – appointed CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa, succeeding Charles Molapisi.
- Yolanda Cuba – moves from Group Exco to Deputy CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa.
- Tsholofelo Molefe, Group CFO, takes on expanded responsibilities, now overseeing mergers & acquisitions alongside capital allocation.
- Selorm Adadevoh – becomes Group Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer.
- Mazen Mroué – remains CEO of Digital Infrastructure, with sharper focus on fibre, data centres, tower partnerships, and non-terrestrial networks.
- Charles Molapisi – returns to his former role as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, with a new mandate to accelerate AI adoption across MTN operations.
Strengthening MTN South Africa
MTN’s South Africa operations also enter a new era. Ferdi Moolman, who led MTN Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, now takes the helm of MTN South Africa to drive growth and maximize returns, supported by Yolanda Cuba as Deputy CEO.
Together, they will build on the resilience demonstrated under Molapisi’s leadership during a period of crippling power outages.
In governance changes, Sindisiwe (Sindi) Mabaso-Koyana will succeed Mike Harper as Chairperson of MTN South Africa in Q1 2026, ensuring a smooth leadership transition as Harper prepares to retire.
Unlocking Africa’s Digital Future
The leadership shuffle reflects MTN’s sharpened focus on growth opportunities across its three platforms. Within Connectivity, the Group will target homes and streamline digital offerings; in Fintech, it will scale its digital-first business; and through Digital Infrastructure, it will expand fibre, data centres, and leverage AI to create value.
“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 added.
Looking Ahead
With its new executive structure, MTN is positioning to scale emerging businesses, deepen financial inclusion, and accelerate digital adoption across Africa.
By placing experienced leaders like Karl Toriola at the forefront of strategic regions, MTN aims to build resilience, seize structural growth opportunities, and reinforce its position as Africa’s leading digital operator.
