MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has announced a major leadership reshuffle alongside strong financial results, signalling a new phase in its growth strategy. The South Africa-headquartered company said on Monday that Ferdi Moolman, currently Group Chief Risk Officer, will become the new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MTN South Africa from 1 November.
Moolman succeeds Charles Molapisi, who will return to his former position as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer. The group described the move as part of a wider strategic review and changes to its operating model intended to sharpen focus and improve performance across its key markets.
The shake-up also affects the financial leadership of the group. Tsholofelo Molefe, currently Group Chief Financial Officer, will see her role expanded to include oversight of the mergers and acquisitions portfolio. Kholekile Ndamase, who has been serving as Chief M&A and Business Development Officer, will step down from the group executive committee and will now report directly to Molefe, concentrating on the group’s capital allocation framework. MTN said the new structure was designed to streamline decision-making and improve accountability in areas central to its future growth.
The management changes came as MTN reported a return to profitability in its latest half-year results. The company said it had swung to a profit in the six months to June 30, recording headline earnings per share of 645 cents compared to a headline loss of 256 cents in the same period a year earlier. The turnaround was driven by improved foreign exchange conditions and moderating inflation across several of its biggest markets, providing a more stable environment for operations.
In addition to the profit recovery, MTN raised its medium-term guidance for group service revenue growth, forecasting growth in at least the high teens, up from its previous forecast of at least the mid-teens. The company said the upgrade reflected confidence in both its operating environment and its long-term strategy to expand data, fintech and enterprise services alongside its traditional mobile offering.
Ferdi Moolman is a seasoned MTN executive with extensive experience in financial and operational management within the group. He has previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, one of the company’s most important subsidiaries, before moving into group-level leadership roles. His appointment to the South African unit is seen as a strategic step to consolidate performance in MTN’s home market, which remains both highly competitive and critical to the group’s overall performance.
Molapisi, who has been leading MTN South Africa, will return to his technology-focused role at group level, reflecting MTN’s commitment to strengthen its innovation and digital infrastructure. Analysts note that his expertise will be crucial as the company continues to roll out 5G networks, expand its digital services and compete with global players in the rapidly evolving telecommunications space.
The leadership changes and financial rebound highlight a pivotal moment for MTN. Having weathered recent volatility in foreign exchange markets, debt challenges and inflationary pressures, the company is now positioning itself for renewed growth. With a sharpened executive team and upgraded revenue guidance, MTN is signalling its determination to reinforce its leadership across Africa and beyond.
The developments also reflect broader trends in the African telecoms sector, where operators are increasingly diversifying into financial technology and digital services to capture new revenue streams in markets with rapidly expanding populations and rising demand for connectivity.
By strengthening its leadership structure and delivering an improved financial performance, MTN has underlined both resilience and ambition, suggesting it is better placed to navigate future challenges while pursuing opportunities across its wide geographical footprint.
