MTN Group has unveiled significant leadership changes in key markets, aimed at bolstering succession planning, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving its Ambition 2025 strategy.
The telecom giant, which operates in over 20 countries, announced on Wednesday that Mitwa Ng’ambi, currently the CEO of MTN Cameroon, will assume the role of CEO at MTN Côte d’Ivoire effective March 1, 2025. She will succeed Djibril Ouattara, who has opted for early retirement.
Expressing appreciation for Ouattara’s service, MTN stated, “We thank Djibril for his significant contributions to MTN, including his leadership of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.”
To ensure a smooth transition, Ouattara will work closely with Ng’ambi during the handover period. Ng’ambi, who brings over 15 years of experience in the telecom sector, previously served as CEO of MTN Rwanda, where she successfully led the renewal of the company’s licence and its listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange.
Highlighting her accomplishments, MTN remarked, “Mitwa’s experience and track record will add impetus to the growth and turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.”
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa’s Chief Commercial Operations Officer, Wanda Matandela, has been named the new CEO of MTN Cameroon, also effective March 1, 2025.
Matandela, who joined the group in 2018, has been instrumental in revitalizing the enterprise business.
Commenting on his appointment, MTN noted, “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 move, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, will take on additional responsibilities as CEO of Digital Infrastructure starting January 1, 2025.
This expanded role will encompass oversight of Bayobab’s mobility and fibre operations, as well as driving MTN’s data centre strategy.
Recognizing his capabilities, MTN said, “His strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfil this dual mandate.”
The reshuffle coincides with the immediate departure of Bayobab CEO Frédéric Schepens. Acknowledging his efforts, MTN stated, “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 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.”
Mupita also emphasized the need for continued focus on operational execution across MTN’s markets.
These leadership changes align with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which prioritizes accelerating growth, strengthening infrastructure, and broadening access to digital and financial services across Africa.
