MTN Group has announced a major restructuring of its senior leadership team across Africa, appointing experienced executives from within the organisation to support the company’s long-term growth strategy under its Ambition 2030 agenda.
The leadership changes are headlined by the promotion of Mitwa Ng’ambi, the current Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, to the role of Group Chief People and Culture Officer. She is expected to join MTN Group’s Executive Committee by September 1, 2026.
Ms Ng’ambi will succeed Paul Norman, who is set to retire later this year after nearly three decades of service to the telecommunications giant. Throughout his tenure, Norman played a key role in shaping MTN’s people and organisational development strategies across its markets.
Leadership Changes Across Key Markets
The appointment of Ms Ng’ambi has triggered a series of leadership transitions within MTN’s operations in West and East Africa.
Abbad Reda, currently Chief Executive Officer of MTN Zambia, has been appointed as the new CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, replacing Ms Ng’ambi.
Meanwhile, Larry Annetts, who most recently served in senior commercial and marketing leadership roles, including an assignment with Irancell, will take over as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Zambia.
All appointments are expected to take effect by September 1, 2026.
Announcing the changes, MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, expressed confidence in the new leadership team’s ability to drive the company’s next phase of growth.
He noted that Ms Ng’ambi would lead the organisation’s people and culture agenda at a critical stage in the implementation of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, while also acknowledging the significant contributions made by Paul Norman during his long career with the company.
Extensive Experience Across Africa
The newly appointed executives bring decades of experience in telecommunications leadership and business transformation across several African markets.
Ms Ng’ambi has more than 15 years of executive leadership experience spanning Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire. Over the years, she has held senior positions including Chief Executive Officer of AirtelTigo Ghana, MTN Rwanda, MTN Cameroon, and Tigo Senegal, where she led business transformation, digital innovation, and growth initiatives.
Abbad Reda also brings extensive industry experience, having served in senior leadership positions across several MTN markets, including Afghanistan, Liberia, Ghana, and Zambia. He is widely recognised for driving operational improvements, customer-focused strategies, and business growth.
Larry Annetts, who will assume leadership of MTN Zambia, is one of the company’s longest-serving executives, with nearly three decades of experience within the MTN Group. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in major markets such as South Africa and Nigeria, contributing to product development, commercial expansion, and digital transformation efforts.
Supporting MTN’s Ambition 2030 Vision
The leadership restructuring forms part of MTN Group’s broader Ambition 2030 strategy, a long-term plan aimed at accelerating digital connectivity, expanding financial technology services, and driving inclusive growth across Africa.
The strategy seeks to leverage emerging opportunities in digital services and financial inclusion while strengthening MTN’s position as one of the continent’s leading telecommunications and technology companies.
According to the Group CEO, the decision to promote leaders from within the organisation reflects the strength of MTN’s succession planning framework and its commitment to developing internal talent.
He congratulated the newly appointed executives and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the company’s strategic objectives over the coming years.
With the appointments now confirmed, industry observers expect a seamless transition as the new executives prepare to assume their responsibilities and lead MTN’s operations through the next phase of growth and innovation under the Ambition 2030 programme.
Source: myjoyonline.com
