MTN Group has announced a fresh round of leadership restructuring, which will see a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) take charge of MTN South Africa. The telecoms giant revealed the shake-up on Monday, August 18, 2025, explaining that the decision followed a detailed review of the company’s 2025 strategy and its plans for the years ahead.
As part of the transition, Charles Molapisi, who has been serving as CEO of MTN South Africa, will step aside and return to his earlier role as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO). Molapisi has been credited with leading the South African operations during a difficult time when the company had to deal with rolling power cuts, network disruptions and heavy operational challenges. According to MTN, his strength lies in technology and IT systems, and he will continue to serve on the executive team to drive innovation.
Taking over from Molapisi as CEO of MTN South Africa is Ferdi Moolman, who is currently the Group Chief Risk Officer (GCRO). Moolman is not new to the company or to Africa’s telecoms market. He was CEO of MTN Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, a period during which the Nigerian subsidiary grew significantly despite regulatory and economic hurdles. His appointment is effective from November 1, 2025, and MTN has confirmed that he will also step down from his position on the MTN Nigeria board by October 31, 2025.
The group said that a new Chief Risk Officer will be announced soon to take over Moolman’s role, as the risk function will remain critical in the executive committee. In another important change, Yolanda Cuba, who was the Vice President for Southern and East Africa (SEA), will leave the group executive committee to assume the position of Deputy CEO and Executive Director of MTN South Africa.
There are also changes at the board level. Mike Harper, who has been the Chairman of MTN South Africa, is expected to retire in the first quarter of 2026. He will be replaced by Sindisiwe Mabaso-Koyana, a seasoned professional with years of experience in corporate leadership and governance.
Beyond South Africa, MTN Group announced wider changes to its executive structure across different markets. Group Chief Financial Officer, Tsholofelo Molefe, will now also oversee mergers and acquisitions (M&A), while Kholekile Ndamase, the current M&A chief, will report directly to her. The group is also continuing its strategy of reducing exposure in Middle Eastern markets, with Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa, Ismail Jaroudi, stepping down from the executive team but taking a role as Vice President of Special Projects while retaining his job as CEO of MTN Dubai.
Another long-serving executive, Ebenezer Asante, will now become Vice President for Ghana, Southern and East Africa. Meanwhile, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, will add new responsibilities as Vice President of Francophone Africa, overseeing Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Congo Brazzaville.
Mazen Mroué, the current Group Chief Technology and Information Officer and CEO of Digital Infrastructure, will now concentrate on developing MTN’s fibre and data centre businesses across Africa. He will also spearhead partnerships with non-terrestrial networks such as satellite operators. Selorm Adadevoh, who is currently the Group Chief Commercial Officer, will see his portfolio expanded to include Strategy and Transformation, while Chika Ekeji will step down from the executive committee to focus on the group’s emerging businesses.
MTN also confirmed that Paul Norman, its Group Chief Human Resources Officer, will retire at the end of 2026, with a successor expected to be announced by mid-2026.
The executive committee, effective from November 1, 2025, will include Ralph Mupita as Group President and CEO; Tsholofelo Molefe as Group CFO; Ebenezer Asante as Vice President of Ghana and SEA; Karl Toriola as CEO of MTN Nigeria and VP of Francophone Africa; Ferdi Moolman as CEO of MTN South Africa; Selorm Adadevoh as Group Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer; Serigne Dioum as CEO of MTN Fintech; Mazen Mroué as CEO of Digital Infrastructure; Charles Molapisi as GCTIO; Lele Modise as Group Chief Legal Officer; Nompilo Morafo as Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer; and Paul Norman as Group Chief HR Officer.
The company said the management shake-up comes at a time of financial recovery and growth. MTN reported a 23.2% rise in service revenue in the first half of 2025, reaching R105.1 billion. Data revenue rose by 36.5% while financial technology revenue grew by 37.3%. Basic earnings per share jumped by 231.8% to 539 cents, compared to a loss of 409 cents in the same period of 2024. Headline earnings per share also recorded a massive increase of 352% to 645 cents, up from a 256 cents loss in the first half of last year.
Although the board did not declare an interim dividend, MTN has assured shareholders that it plans to pay a final dividend of 370 cents per share for the 2025 financial year.
Industry analysts say the new appointments reflect MTN’s ambition to strengthen its leadership bench, consolidate its position in key African markets and drive growth in areas such as data, digital infrastructure and financial technology. The changes also highlight the company’s commitment to adapting to market realities while positioning itself for the future.
