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Internal Talent Takes Centre Stage in Continental Leadership Overhaul
MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital services provider, has announced a far-reaching reorganisation of its top executive leadership. It has appointed seasoned internal executives to drive its next phase of digital, fintech, and connectivity expansion across the continent.
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At the heart of the reshuffle is the elevation of Mitwa Ng’ambi, currently Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, to the role of Group Chief People and Culture Officer. She is expected to formally assume her position and join MTN’s powerful Group Executive Committee by September 1, 2026.
Her appointment precedes the retirement of Paul Norman, who will step down later this year. Norman has nearly three decades of distinguished service to the Johannesburg-headquartered multinational.
Leadership Transitions Across West and East Africa
Ms Ng’ambi’s promotion has triggered a ripple of strategic CEO appointments across MTN’s regional operations:
- Abbad Reda, currently CEO of MTN Zambia, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, succeeding Ms Ng’ambi.
- Larry Annetts, a long-serving MTN commercial leader and former CMO/CCO seconded to Irancell, will take over as CEO of MTN Zambia.
All appointments are scheduled to become fully operational no later than September 1, 2026, ensuring continuity and stability across MTN’s key African markets.
Ralph Mupita Backs New Executive Team
Commending the leadership changes, MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita expressed strong confidence in the new structure.
“Mitwa will lead MTN’s people and culture agenda at a pivotal time in our Ambition 2030 journey. She takes over from Paul, who retires after a stellar career and nearly three decades of significant contribution to MTN,” Mupita said.
Deep Experience Anchors Strategic Continuity
The newly appointed executives collectively bring over 50 years of combined experience navigating complex and volatile emerging markets. They also maintain strong professional ties to Ghana and other critical African telecom ecosystems.
- Mitwa Ng’ambi brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire. Her previous roles include CEO of Airtel Tigo Ghana, MTN Cameroon, MTN Rwanda, and Tigo Senegal, where she led major business turnarounds, mergers, and AI-driven digital transformations.
- Abbad Reda is widely regarded as a customer-centric turnaround specialist, with senior leadership experience at MTN Afghanistan, MTN Liberia, and MTN Ghana, where he played a key role in restoring market share and driving sustainable revenue growth.
- Larry Annetts, with nearly 29 years at MTN, represents the company’s institutional backbone, having delivered large-scale product innovation and disciplined digital commercial growth across MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria.
Driving MTN’s Ambition 2030 Vision
The leadership overhaul aligns squarely with MTN’s refreshed five-year strategic roadmap, Ambition 2030. The strategy targets long-term growth through expanded digital connectivity, fintech innovation, and financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Mupita, filling these sensitive roles entirely from within MTN’s ranks reflects the strength of the group’s succession planning and leadership development pipeline.
“I congratulate Mitwa, Abbad and Larry on their appointments as we deliver on our strategic ambition,” he added. “Paul’s invaluable contribution will be formally celebrated later in the year.”
With the appointments now confirmed, industry analysts expect a smooth leadership transition as MTN positions itself to deepen its digital footprint and accelerate inclusive growth across Africa.
