MTN has announced that Ferdi Moolman, the former group chief risk officer, will succeed Charles Molapisi as the new CEO and executive director of its South African operations.
“Molapisi expertly guided MTN SA through a tough phase characterised by significant power outages and challenges to network reliability, ensuring the company maintained its position as a network leader,” the MTN Group stated.
Molapisi, who has extensive experience in network and IT, will continue as a member of the group executive committee, resuming his previous role as group chief technology and information officer. His new responsibilities will include enhancing the adoption of AI throughout the organisation.
“We view AI as a prime opportunity for value creation in the medium term, particularly in areas such as network optimisation, customer operations, and workforce efficiency,” the company added.
Yolanda Cuba, currently the vice president for MTN SEA, will transition out of the group executive committee to become the deputy CEO and executive director of MTN SA.
“Both Ferdi and Yolanda have a wealth of experience within the group and will work together to drive growth and enhance returns for MTN SA,” the company emphasised.
Moolman has previously held several senior leadership positions within MTN, including serving as CEO of MTN Nigeria from 2016 to 2021. He will resign from the MTN Nigeria board effective October 31, 2025.
During a media briefing on Monday, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita addressed the pressures facing South Africa, MTN’s home market. He acknowledged the challenges in the market and emphasised the need for improved competitiveness.
While noting that MTN SA has performed well in the enterprise sector, he highlighted the necessity for better results in the prepaid and postpaid markets. Mupita wanted to enhance performance and strengthen the balance sheet within the next two to three years, considering the current leases and debts on MTN SA’s financial records.
“That’s a hefty task to accomplish in a couple of years, which is why we have appointed two capable leaders,” he said, adding that Cuba’s focus would be commercial growth.
Moolman’s position as group chief risk officer will be filled later, and this role will continue to be part of the group executive committee.
In a related initiative towards regional digital transformation, the Africa-BB-Maps initiative aligns with the Africa-Europe Digital Regulators Partnership and the EU Global Gateway Strategy, focusing on developing sustainable digital infrastructure and promoting cross-border collaboration. WATRA plays a vital role in translating these objectives into concrete actions for its 16 member states.
“This initiative is not just about mapping; it’s about fostering investment, broadening opportunities, and fulfilling our collective digital ambitions,” concluded Mr. Aboki.
With Molapisi’s return as group chief technology and information officer, the combined roles of GCTIO and CEO of Digital Infrastructure will now be separated. Mazen Mroué, who currently serves as GCTIO and CEO of Digital Infrastructure, will concentrate on expanding MTN’s fibre and data centre operations across Africa.
“Mazen will also seek strategic collaborations with our towerco partners and explore network sharing prospects to enhance operational efficiencies,” MTN stated. “As the Digital Infrastructure platform evolves, he will manage the Group’s partnerships with non-terrestrial networks, including low-earth-orbit satellite operators.”
Tsholofelo Molefe, the group chief financial officer, will see her responsibilities grow, including those of the mergers and acquisitions portfolio.
Kholekile Ndamase, now the chief M&A and business development officer, will step down from the group executive committee but will report directly to Molefe as she oversees capital allocation at the group level.
These changes to the Group Executive Committee will take effect on November 1, 2025, and will be structured as follows:
- Ralph Mupita: Group President and CEO
- Tsholofelo Molefe: Group Chief Financial Officer
- Ebenezer Asante: Vice President of Ghana and SEA
- Karl Toriola: MTN Nigeria CEO and VP of Francophone Africa
- Ferdi Moolman: MTN SA CEO
- Selorm Adadevoh: Group Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer
- Serigne Dioum: CEO of MTN Group Fintech
- Mazen Mroué: CEO of MTN Digital Infrastructure
- Charles Molapisi: Group Chief Technology and Information Officer
- Lele Modise: Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer
- Nompilo Morafo: Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs
- Paul Norman: Group Chief Human Resources Officer
- Chief Risk Officer: To be announced
Paul Norman, the current group chief human resources officer, plans to retire at the end of 2026. A successor is expected to be announced by mid-2026.
“These leadership transitions highlight the deep talent and experience across the Group,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “These adjustments are designed to facilitate the swift and effective execution of our strategy beyond 2025 and enhance value creation for our stakeholders.”
