MTN Group Announces Leadership Shake-Up as Part of New Strategic Transformation

MTN Group has announced a major leadership shake-up as the telecoms giant embarks on its next phase of strategic growth across Africa and the Middle East. The restructuring, which takes effect on 1 November 2025, includes several high-profile executive appointments and changes to the Group Executive Committee.

One of the most significant moves sees Ferdi Moolman, currently Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO), appointed as the new CEO of MTN South Africa. He replaces Charles Molapisi, who will return to his previous role as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO) to lead MTN’s push into artificial intelligence adoption.

MTN commended Molapisi for his leadership during a period marked by widespread power outages and network resilience challenges, confirming that he will continue to serve on the Group Executive Committee.

The announcement follows MTN’s strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, with service revenue rising by 23.2% to R105.1 billion. Data revenue surged by 36.5%, while fintech revenue climbed by 37.3%. Basic earnings per share (EPS) jumped 231.8% to 539 cents, a sharp recovery from a 409-cent loss in the same period in 2024. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) also rose significantly to 645 cents, compared with a 256-cent loss last year. Although no interim dividend was declared, the board confirmed plans to issue a final dividend of 370 cents per share for FY 2025.

Several other leadership changes will come into effect from November. Yolanda Cuba, Vice President for Southern and East Africa (SEA), steps down from the Group Executive Committee to become Deputy CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa. Mike Harper, Chairman of MTN South Africa, will retire in the first quarter of 2026 and will be succeeded by Sindisiwe Mabaso-Koyana.

Tsholofelo Molefe, Group Chief Financial Officer, will assume additional responsibility for Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Kholekile Ndamase, current head of M&A, will step down from the committee but continue to report to Molefe.

Other key appointments include:

• Ismail Jaroudi, VP of MENA, transitioning to VP of Special Projects while remaining CEO of MTN Dubai.

• Ebenezer Asante taking over as VP for Ghana, Southern and East Africa.

• Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, also becoming VP of Francophone Africa with oversight of Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Congo Brazzaville.

• Mazen Mroué leading the expansion of MTN’s fibre and data centre operations, as well as partnerships with satellite operators, in his capacity as GCTIO and CEO of Digital Infrastructure.

• Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer, taking on additional responsibility for Strategy and Transformation.

• Chika Ekeji stepping down from the committee to focus on emerging business growth.

• Paul Norman, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, confirmed to retire at the end of 2026, with a successor to be announced by mid-2026.

Updated Group Executive Committee (Effective 1 November 2025)

• Group President and CEO – Ralph Mupita

• Group CFO – Tsholofelo Molefe

• VP of Ghana and SEA – Ebenezer Asante

• MTN Nigeria CEO & VP of Francophone Africa – Karl Toriola

• MTN South Africa CEO – Ferdi Moolman

• Group Chief Commercial, Strategy & Transformation Officer – Selorm Adadevoh

• CEO of MTN Fintech – Serigne Dioum

• CEO of MTN Digital Infrastructure – Mazen Mroué

• Group CTO & CIO – Charles Molapisi

• Group Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer – Lele Modise

• Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer – Nompilo Morafo

• Group CHRO – Paul Norman

• Group Chief Risk Officer – To be announced