Tag: Leadership
At MTN Group, we believe that when women thrive, communities prosper. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women across Africa and beyond by using our technology and resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs.
The theme of IWD 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. It calls for collective action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for women and girls everywhere, and MTN is leading the way.
“Women entrepreneurs are not only catalysts for economic growth but are also pivotal in transforming communities and industries,” said MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.
“From building innovative tech startups to supporting local economies, female entrepreneurs are challenging the status quo, breaking barriers and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future,” she added.
Despite their immense potential, however, women face unique challenges, including limited access to finance, resources, mentorship and technology.
“It’s time for society to take collective action and support these women who are already making an impact,” said Morafo. “At MTN, we believe that when women thrive, communities thrive. This IWD, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs by bridging digital and financial gaps, enabling them to access financial services, connect with markets and grow their businesses.”
MTN Group, operating in 16 countries across Africa and the Middle East, is focused on creating a digital ecosystem that enables women to break free from the constraints of inequality. By leveraging our wide-reaching mobile technology and financial services, MTN is helping to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship, offering women the tools, connections and resources they need to succeed.
Here are just a few ways MTN is actively empowering female entrepreneurs and supporting women’s rights and equality:
1. MTN Mobile Money: Empowering women through financial inclusion
One of the most powerful ways MTN is empowering women entrepreneurs is through MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), our mobile financial service. In many African countries, women face obstacles in accessing traditional banking services, often due to geographical barriers, lack of documentation or societal norms. MoMo is changing that by offering a safe and convenient way for women to manage money, make payments and access financial services right from their mobile phones.
In Uganda, for example, Joyce Ssebugwawo, a small-scale farmer and businesswoman, uses MoMo to sell her produce to customers in remote areas, allowing her to reach a wider market. By accepting payments digitally, she can reduce the risk of cash theft and streamline her business operations. MoMo has also enabled her to save, invest and access loans, directly contributing to the growth of her business and her financial independence.
MTN is committed to ensuring that women across our markets can easily access mobile money services and financial literacy programmes, helping them take control of their economic future.
2.Local Impact: Women entrepreneurs across MTN’s markets
Across MTN’s countries, from Nigeria to South Africa, Cameroon to Côte d’Ivoire, women entrepreneurs are benefiting from MTN’s initiatives. In South Africa, MTN has partnered with local incubators and accelerators to provide women-led startups with mentorship, access to investors and digital tools to help them scale.
In Ghana, MTN has rolled out the MoMo Entrepreneurship Programme, which supports women entrepreneurs by helping them integrate digital payment solutions into their businesses. Women who were previously selling goods in informal markets are now able to accept payments via MoMo, gaining access to a broader customer base and enhancing their financial security.
The impact of women entrepreneurs is undeniable, but their journey is far from easy. They face financial, social and cultural challenges that hinder their progress. However, as MTN demonstrates through our initiatives, the path to equality, rights and empowerment is not just a distant ideal—it is happening now, one digital connection at a time.
As we celebrate IWD 2025, MTN calls on governments, businesses and individuals to continue supporting women entrepreneurs. We must break down the barriers, remove the obstacles and ensure that women have the resources, the rights and the opportunities they need to thrive.
New contract expands Network International’s growing portfolio of issuer processing collaborations in the African continent
Network International (Network), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has been appointed as a Payment Processor – Issuing partner for MTN Group Fintech, Africa’s leading mobile financial services provider. This partnership marks a significant extension of Network’s portfolio of issuer processing collaborations throughout the African continent.
With a footprint spanning over 50 countries and serving over 250 financial institutions, Network International brings its expertise to this partnership which will enhance MTN Fintech’s cutting-edge mobile services and provide even greater value to stakeholders and customers across Africa.
The partnership will focus on rolling out card issuance products across key MTN Fintech markets, starting with Rwanda which is already operational. Soon Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria will also be covered under this collaboration. Network International will provide a comprehensive range of services, including transaction processing, card management and online fraud prevention. MTN Fintech users will benefit from a seamless experience accessing both traditional mobile services and innovative digital payment solutions.
Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International commented: “Our collaboration with MTN Group Fintech marks a major milestone for our outsourced payments services in Africa. It demonstrates our ability to successfully serve Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) via our fully-fledged processing solutions and our continued dedication and commitment to the African region. We are excited to support MTN Group Fintech’s growth strategy, and its business development plans across the continent.”
Cedric N’guessan, Executive for Payment and E-commerce at MTN Group Fintech added, “This collaboration with Network International is pivotal in enhancing financial inclusion across Africa and beyond. It enables our customers to actively engage in the global economy, aligning perfectly with our strategic goals alongside Mastercard to broaden access to digital financial services across the continent.” Read More
MTN Group provides voice, data, fintech, enterprise wholesale and API services to more than 288 million customers in 16 African markets.
MTN Group Limited (“MTN”) announces the conclusion of the sale of its operations in Guinea (also known as “MTN Guinea-Conakry”), to the State of Guinea, on 30 December 2024. This transaction aligns with MTN’s focus on portfolio optimization and simplification, as part of the Ambition 2025 strategy.
MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, stated: “This milestone marks a new phase for MTN Guinea-Conakry under local ownership, and MTN thanks the staff, customers, regulators and broader stakeholders in Guinea for the support during the time MTN has been operational in the country. Concluding this transaction is in line with the strategy to simplify the portfolio and allocating capital to markets where we can make a difference as MTN and deliver long-term growth and returns.”
MTN Group is pleased to announce key leadership changes aimed at addressing succession, operational execution, and advancing the Ambition 2025 strategy.
Operating Companies’ Leadership Changes
Mitwa Ng’ambi, CEO of MTN Cameroon, will move to the same position at MTN Côte d’Ivoire, effective 1 March 2025, as Djibril Ouattara takes early retirement. We thank Djibril for his significant contributions to MTN, including his leadership of MTN Congo-Brazzaville. To ensure an orderly handover, Djibril will support Mitwa during her transition for a few months.
Mitwa brings over 15 years of telecom experience and transformational leadership, having served as CEO of MTN Cameroon since September 2022. She is also the Board Chairperson of Mobile Money Corporation, MTN’s fintech subsidiary in Cameroon. Prior to her role in Cameroon, Mitwa was CEO of MTN Rwanda, where she successfully led the renewal of the company’s licence and spearheaded its growth and listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. Previously, she held leadership positions at Airtel Tigo in Ghana and Tigo in Senegal. Mitwa’s experience and track record will add impetus to the growth and turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.
Wanda Matandela, Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, has been appointed as the new CEO for MTN Cameroon, effective 1 March 2025. Wanda joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer and drove the turnaround of this business. With over 20 years of experience, including more than 13 years in telecoms, he has held strategic roles across the FMCG and financial services sectors. Wanda serves on the boards of Supersonic (Pty) Ltd and MTN Rwanda PLC. His strong commercial and stakeholder management experience will be invaluable as he builds on the high impact and energy created under Mitwa’s leadership, bringing new capabilities and insights to drive growth in Cameroon.
Change in leadership at digital infrastructure business
Effective 1 January 2025, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will assume additional responsibilities as CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco). This new role will incorporate the mobility and fibre businesses of Bayobab, along with executing our data centre strategy as we position MTN Group for growth and profitability in the development of AI across Africa. In this dual role, he will continue to report to the Group President and CEO and remain a member of the Group Executive Committee.
Since joining MTN in 1998, Mazen has held various senior positions within the Group’s regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including CEO and COO roles across multiple operating companies. He has also served as a board member of various companies within the MTN Group. Mazen’s strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfil this dual mandate.
Frédéric Schepens, current CEO of Bayobab, will be leaving the group effective immediately. We thank Frédéric for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours.
MTN Group President & CEO Ralph Mupita extends his best wishes and appreciation to all incoming and outgoing colleagues, expressing confidence in the internal succession bench-strength of the business. He emphasises the importance of driving execution and maintaining our commitment to digital and financial inclusion priorities across our markets.
The digital age offers remarkable opportunities for children across Africa but also exposes them to significant risks, requiring collective action to ensure their safety. Today, MTN Group convened policymakers, educators, advocacy groups, and digital safety experts to unveil the findings of its Online Child Safety African Insights research, conducted in partnership with IPSOS.
The event also highlighted MTN’s renewed efforts under its Help Children Be Children (HCBC) initiative to address online child abuse and exploitation.
The research, which spanned Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, sheds light on critical challenges facing children in the digital space. In Nigeria, over 50% of children surveyed reported experiencing bullying or harassment online, with many refraining from seeking help due to fear of judgment or punishment. In South Sudan, unrestricted access to inappropriate content without adequate parental guidance was linked to heightened stress and behavioural issues among children. Meanwhile, Zambian parents and educators highlighted the urgent need for support in navigating online safety measures.
Alarmingly, the data also showed a direct link between online abuse and adverse mental health impacts, including anxiety and withdrawal in children.
MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo, emphasised the collective responsibility for safeguarding children online: “This research underlines the urgency of equipping children with the skills to protect themselves online while empowering caregivers to create safer digital environments.”
“MTN is steadfast in our commitment to ensure the digital world offers growth and opportunity, free from harm. However, this is a collective responsibility—we cannot do it alone,” she said. IPSOS Associate Director Marcus Hollington concurred: “The research underscores the urgency of equipping children with the skills they need to protect themselves online while also empowering the adults in their lives to provide effective support,” he said, adding: “Education and peer influence are crucial to fostering safer digital behaviors in these diverse contexts.”
The HCBC campaign addresses the key challenges highlighted in the research, focusing on peer advocacy and enhancing the capabilities of caregivers and educators. By empowering children—many of whom face online harassment and exposure to harmful content—MTN aims to create a secure digital environment. It does so by championing online safety within its communities and equipping adults with tools and knowledge to mitigate these risks. This approach not only reduces exposure to risks but also promotes positive mental health outcomes, addressing the emotional toll identified in the research.
A cornerstone of MTN’s efforts is its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). This collaboration has resulted in the creation of the Africa-wide MTN-IWF Portal, a critical resource for reporting and addressing harmful online content. Accessible at Child Online Protection | MTN.com, the portal enables swift action to tackle Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). In 2023 alone, MTN inspected over 656 million URLs using adaptive systems to block harmful sites identified by IWF.
The findings and MTN’s proactive measures underscore the importance of collaboration. Governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals must unite to protect children from the dark side of the internet. Reports of harmful online activity can be made through the MTN-IWF Portal to ensure the swift removal of dangerous content.
MTN remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Africa’s youngest digital users, empowering them to explore the internet confidently and safely while ensuring their well-being and security remain at the forefront.
Read the full Online Child Safety African Insights research: here
We are pleased to announce that MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has been elected to the GSMA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. His appointment underscores MTN’s commitment to being a key player in connecting the continent as well as advancing Africa’s economic, social and digital transformation aspirations.
As an advocate for leveraging technology to drive economic growth and inclusion, Ralph’s focus on the Board will be on driving the African agenda, particularly in relation to the G6 commitments of closing the usage and coverage gaps; increasing investments; and securing a climate-smart future.
His participation on the Board will be instrumental in harnessing the potential of mobile technology to support sustainable development and economic growth.
In Ralph’s words: “I am honoured to join the GSMA Board at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa”.
“Mobile technology will play a critical role to address the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlock the full potential of Africa, and ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future.”
Read accompanying release here.
MTN Group’s commitment to shared value in Africa extends beyond providing essential connectivity. In 2023, our total tax contribution to governments across all markets increased by more than 12% to R61.7 billion. This figure encompasses the direct corporate taxes we pay, indirect taxes, operating licence fees, payroll taxes, property rates, dividend taxes and withholding taxes.
“Our total tax contribution is equivalent to the cost of building more than 500 high-quality schools,” notes MTN Group Chief Financial Officer Tsholo Molefe, adding that governments across our markets could use our total tax contribution (TTC) to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare and a wide range of other public services.
“Our commitment to paying our fair share of taxes supports the positive relationships we have with governments and communities; it also promotes stability and predictability in the business environment,” said Molefe, adding: “This not only attracts foreign investment but also creates new job opportunities, further stimulating economic growth across the continent.”
To maintain transparency, MTN releases an annual Tax Report as part of its suite of reports. This year, we mark 30 years of connecting people and driving digital and financial inclusion. We recognise that the business’s growth in this time would not have been possible without the trust and support of our many stakeholders.
“We build public trust through transparency, including open communication about our tax affairs, including via our Tax Report,” Molefe said.
The report details our broader economic contribution across our markets – beyond the corporate taxes we pay. It also unpacks the evolving global tax environment, MTN’s approach to tax, tax governance, our TTC by market, as well as our effective tax rates.
In 2023, our West and Central Africa (WECA#) region accounted for 39% of our independently assured total tax contribution.This was followed by Nigeria, with 31%; our Southern and East Africa (SEA^) region at nearly 14%; and South Africa at almost 11%.
“We are very pleased to play our part in supporting Africa’s progress and encourage stakeholders to explore our Tax Report for a detailed look at our impact beyond the economic activity created through providing essential communications services across 17 African markets.”
For our 2023 Tax Report, please see MTN Group | home (mtn-investor.com)
MTN marks three decades of operations, celebrating a legacy of connecting people, changing lives, and driving economic growth across South Africa and the African continent.
“As we reflect on this significant milestone, we express our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders, past and present, across multiple jurisdictions, for their support,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita. “We couldn’t have achieved this remarkable success without you.”
Since its inception in 1994, MTN has evolved from a small South African start-up with 20 employees into a global telecommunications leader, employing over 17,500 individuals representing more than 70 nationalities across 18 diverse markets.
In South Africa, MTN’s impact has been profound. The company’s network now reaches 97% of the population, providing a foundation for digital inclusion and economic empowerment. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like 4G and 5G, MTN has ensured that South Africa remains at the forefront of technological advancement. A recent study by KPMG showed that MTN South Africa’s contribution to the country’s GDP is substantial, making it a key player in the national economy.
The evolution of handsets and the proliferation of apps have democratised access to information and essential services, from financial solutions to healthcare, education, and entertainment. This has been a game-changer for individuals and businesses alike.
MTN’s influence extends far beyond South Africa. In 2023, the MTN Group recorded over R220 billion (more than US$11 billion) in revenue, a testament to its market leadership and the growing demand for digital services across Africa. This success has driven the company’s market capitalisation to over R150 billion, solidifying its position as one of the continent’s most valuable companies.
Across Africa, MTN connects millions, empowering them with essential communication tools and access to vital services. More than 149 million people rely on MTN’s network for data access, fuelling a digital transformation that is reshaping industries and societies. Additionally, MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) provides over 65 million individuals with access to financial services, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
MTN’s commitment to socio-economic development is evident everywhere. In 2023, the Group’s total tax contribution to governments across markets was nearly R62 billion (over US$3.3 billion), supporting vital public services and infrastructure development. MTN’s operations also generated some R159 billion in economic value, creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and fostering digital innovation.
From the outset, the Group has been driven to make a social impact. Launched in 2001, the first MTN Foundation had an annual budget of R22 million. In 2023, MTN spent ten times that – R220 million – in corporate social responsibility across markets, with a special focus on developing digital skills to enable the digital economy.
Furthermore, both MTN Group and MTN South Africa have achieved Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment status, underscoring their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social transformation.
MTN’s dedication to giving back is embodied in the annual “21 Days of Y’ello Care” initiative, which has been extended to 30 days this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary. Kicking off on 01 June 2024 under the theme “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities,” this initiative mobilises MTN employees across the continent to dedicate their time and resources to enhance educational opportunities. This year, the focus is on bridging the educational divide in rural and remote areas, providing digital learning tools, and supporting educational infrastructure to empower the next generation of leaders within these communities.
MTN’s 30-year journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the unwavering spirit of innovation. Looking to the future, MTN remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering individuals and communities, and driving Africa’s sustainable and inclusive progress through cutting-edge digital solutions.
MTN Group is pleased to announce senior leadership appointments to operating companies in Nigeria, Iran and Sudan, all of them internal candidates, as we focus on executing on our strategy to drive growth, de-leverage faster and reveal value in our fintech and fibre businesses. The appointments are effective 1 April 2022.
“A vital enabler of our strategy is having the best talent, culture and future-fit skills,” says MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the depth of talent within the Group, as well as the strength of our succession planning.”
Following the recent appointment of MTN Nigeria Chief Operating Officer Mazen Mroue as MTN Group Chief Information and Technology Officer, Hassan Jaber assumes the COO role at MTN Nigeria. He moves from MTN Irancell, where he serves as COO, bringing with him some 25 years of telecoms and digital experience within the MTN Group.
Jaber’s track record of building and scaling-up telecom operations and developing digital businesses through the power of mobile technology will be instrumental to MTN Nigeria as it plays its part in delivering on the Group’s strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. He has served MTN in numerous markets, including Ghana, Guinea-Conakry, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen.
Malik Melamu, with over 28 years of managerial and executive experience, will assume the position of MTN Irancell COO, joining from MTN Sudan where he has been CEO over the last five years. Among other roles at MTN, he previously served as MTN Benin CEO and as Executive for Sales and Distribution and Customer Experience at MTN Group.
Stepping into the CEO role at MTN Sudan is Ziad Sabah, whose career within MTN spans more than a decade, most recently as MTN Syria CEO and before that as the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Syria. Ziad is a seasoned business leader and will play a pivotal role in strengthening MTN Sudan’s market position through initiatives to advance digital and financial inclusion.
“These appointments demonstrate the depth of leadership bench-strength within the MTN Group, and we remain focused on delivering sustainable growth to our stakeholders. Nigeria, Iran and Sudan are markets with attractive demographics and tremendous potential growth opportunities for digital and financial inclusion,” concludes Mupita.
MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita has paid a day’s working visit to Ghana to engage with some key stakeholders and reiterate MTN’s commitment to support the further development of the Ghanaian telecommunications sector and work towards greater financial inclusion.
On Wednesday, the Group CEO and his team of executives paid courtesy calls on the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Finance to interact and discuss issues of mutual interest, including localisation.
During the visit to the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Mupita expressed his appreciation for the Bank’s support over the years. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison congratulated MTN for the work done in the mobile financial services sector and indicated that the Bank was counting on MTN to continue to champion innovation and financial inclusion. Dr Addison was joined by the Second Deputy Governor Mrs Elsie Addo Awadzi.
The MTN delegation then called on the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority Mr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and his deputies where Mr. Mupita commended Ghana for encouraging economic growth last year.
In his engagements with the Ministry for Finance, Mr. Mupita reiterated MTN Group’s continued support to the Government of Ghana in achieving its digital agenda.
This is the third visit of the Group CEO to Ghana since he assumed office in September 2020. He is accompanied by the MTN Group Senior Vice President of Markets Ebenezer Asante, MTN Ghana CEO Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of Mobile Money Ltd Eli Hini, MTN Ghana Chief Corporate Services Officer Sam Koranteng and MTN Ghana Chief Financial Officer Antoinette Kwofie.
The visit to Ghana is part of Mr. Mupita’s regular engagements with local authorities in priority markets. He calls on key stakeholders early every year to revisit the Group’s commitments, understand their expectations and foster cordial working relationships. His next stop is Nigeria.