MTN Group has announced a major restructuring of its executive leadership team to strengthen the delivery of its Ambition 2025 strategy and position the company for sustained growth across Africa.
At the centre of this restructuring is the expanded role of Dr Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, who will also serve as Vice President for Francophone Africa from 1 November 2025. In this dual capacity, Toriola will continue to lead Nigeria’s largest telecommunications operator while overseeing MTN’s operations in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville, key markets that are central to the Group’s regional growth agenda.
His appointment is viewed as a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian leadership within the Group and recognition of Nigeria’s importance to MTN’s overall success. Since assuming office as MTN Nigeria’s CEO in 2021, Toriola has consistently driven innovation, operational efficiency, and financial growth, leading the company to become the first telecommunications firm to hit a ₦10 trillion market capitalisation milestone. His new responsibility also reflects his wealth of experience in the region, having previously served as Vice President for West and Central Africa between 2015 and 2021.
“These leadership changes illustrate the depth of talent and experience we have across the Group,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “The changes will support the accelerated execution of our strategy beyond 2025 as well as greater value creation for stakeholders over the medium term.”
The restructuring coincides with MTN Group’s reaffirmation of its Ambition 2025 strategy, which is centred on three principal platforms: Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure.
The Connectivity platform focuses on expanding home broadband services and simplifying digital offerings. Fintech is being scaled into a digital-first financial services platform, while Digital Infrastructure is being strengthened with investments in fibre expansion, data centres, and AI-driven efficiencies.
With this leadership evolution, MTN Group is taking a decisive step towards its long-term vision of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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