Mitwa Ng’ambi to assume CEO role at MTN Côte d’Ivoire

MTN Group has announced that Mitwa Ng’ambi, the current CEO of MTN Cameroon, will take over as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, effective 1 March 2025. Mitwa’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition as she steps into the role previously held by Djibril Ouattara, who is retiring early after years of dedicated service.

In a recent statement issued on its official website to unveil its strategic leadership changes designed to strengthen its operational execution, ensure effective succession planning, and accelerate the advancement of its Ambition 2025 strategy, the group noted that the reshuffle reflects the Group's commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and digital transformation across its markets.

With over 15 years of telecom industry experience and a reputation for transformational leadership, Mitwa is expected to spearhead the next phase of growth and innovation for MTN Côte d’Ivoire. During her tenure as CEO of MTN Cameroon, she successfully navigated the company through a competitive market landscape and served as Board Chairperson of Mobile Money Corporation, MTN’s fintech subsidiary in the region. Her extensive background, which includes leadership roles in Rwanda, Ghana, and Senegal, positions her as a strong force to drive MTN Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic agenda.

Taking over as CEO of MTN Cameroon is Wanda Matandela, currently the Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa. Wanda, who will assume his new role on 1 March 2025, joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer, where he was instrumental in revitalizing the enterprise division. With over 20 years of experience across the telecom, FMCG, and financial services sectors, Wanda’s leadership will focus on sustaining and building upon the momentum generated under Mitwa’s tenure in Cameroon.

Effective 1 January 2025, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group’s Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will take on an expanded role as CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco). This newly established position consolidates oversight of the mobility and fibre operations under Bayobab, alongside the execution of MTN Group’s data centre strategy. Mazen’s dual mandate reflects MTN’s strategic positioning to lead AI development across Africa while advancing digital infrastructure.

With over 25 years of experience at MTN, Mazen has held numerous leadership roles, including CEO and COO positions across several operating companies in the Group’s African and Middle Eastern markets. His extensive technical expertise and operational acumen are expected to drive profitability and innovation within the digital infrastructure domain.

The outgoing CEO of Bayobab, Frédéric Schepens, departs MTN Group effective immediately. The Group expressed gratitude for his contributions and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita commended both the incoming and outgoing leaders for their dedication and service. He emphasized the Group’s confidence in its strong internal succession capabilities and reiterated the company’s commitment to operational excellence, digital inclusion, and financial empowerment across its markets.

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye