Karl Toriola takes on wider continental duties as MTN VP for Francophone Africa
MTN Group has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, with Karl Toriola, the current CEO of MTN Nigeria, taking on an additional role as Vice President (VP) of Francophone Africa.
This strategic appointment, effective November 1, 2025, positions Karl Toriola at the forefront of MTN’s growth strategy in key West and Central African markets.
Karl Toriola, who has successfully led MTN Nigeria since 2021, will now oversee operations in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
This expanded portfolio marks a return to familiar territory for Karl Toriola, who previously held leadership positions across Francophone West Africa before his tenure as head of MTN’s largest and most profitable subsidiary in Nigeria. He will continue to serve as CEO of MTN Nigeria.
The restructuring comes as MTN reviews its Ambition 2025 strategy, adapting to evolving geopolitical, macroeconomic, and technological landscapes. While the core priorities of the strategy remain relevant, MTN aims to sharpen its focus on three core platforms: connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure.
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, stated that these leadership changes show the depth of talent within the Group and will support the accelerated execution of their strategy beyond 2025, aiming for greater value creation for stakeholders.
Other notable changes in the leadership team include Tsholofelo Molefe, Group Chief Financial Officer, who will now oversee mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to ensure capital allocation aligns with long-term growth. Ebenezer Asante, formerly Senior Vice President of Markets, will assume responsibility as Vice President of Ghana and Southern & East Africa, focusing on accelerating growth in those regions.
In South Africa, Ferdi Moolman, former CEO of MTN Nigeria, has been appointed CEO of MTN South Africa, succeeding Charles Molapisi. Molapisi will transition back to his former role as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), with a new mandate to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across MTN’s operations.
Additionally, Mazen Mroué will focus exclusively on the Digital Infrastructure portfolio, while Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer, will expand his remit to include Strategy and Transformation.
These comprehensive leadership adjustments reflect MTN’s commitment to optimizing its operational structure and leveraging its talent pool to drive its strategic objectives in the dynamic African telecommunications market.
