Introduction
In a move that underscores its commitment to digital transformation and innovation, MTN South Africa has announced that CEO Charles Molapisi will step down from his role and take over as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTO), effective November 1, 2025. The strategic realignment is designed to strengthen MTN’s global competitiveness in mobile networks, fintech, and digital services.
This leadership reshuffle will see Ferdi Moolman, currently MTN Group Chief Risk Officer, assume the position of CEO of MTN South Africa. The decision reflects MTN’s growing focus on aligning technology with leadership to fuel the next stage of growth.
Background: Why the CTO Role Matters Now
MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, serves over 290 million subscribers across more than 20 countries. Over the past decade, the company has been transitioning from a traditional telecom provider into a technology-driven digital services company.
The CTO role is central to this evolution, overseeing network infrastructure, cybersecurity, data services, and innovation pipelines—areas critical to expanding MTN’s market share in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Charles Molapisi is no stranger to this responsibility. Prior to becoming CEO of MTN South Africa, he served as the Group CTO from 2019 to 2021. His return to the role suggests a renewed emphasis on network expansion, 5G adoption, and digital-first services.
The Announcement and Transition Plan
MTN confirmed the leadership changes on August 18, 2025, stating that Molapisi will transition to Group CTO while Moolman takes over as CEO of MTN South Africa. The changes will come into effect on November 1, 2025.
A statement from the company highlighted:
“This transition leverages the strengths of both leaders. Charles brings unmatched expertise in technology, and Ferdi’s strong risk and governance background ensures business stability and continuity.”
The announcement was welcomed by shareholders, who have been seeking reassurance amid rising operational challenges, including currency volatility, regulatory hurdles, and fierce competition in data services.
Reactions from Industry Experts
Analysts say the reshuffle reflects MTN’s broader ambition to position itself not just as a telecom operator, but as a digital ecosystem leader.
Sipho Maseko, a South African telecom analyst, noted:
“This move places technology back at the core of MTN’s strategy. By moving Molapisi to the CTO seat, MTN is signaling that innovation and network modernization are the backbone of its growth.”
Investors have also responded positively, with MTN’s stock showing slight upward momentum following the announcement.
Implications of the CTO Shift
- 5G Expansion
MTN has been rolling out 5G networks in several African markets. With Molapisi at the helm of technology again, industry watchers expect faster 5G adoption, including enterprise-grade solutions for smart cities and IoT. - Fintech & Digital Services
MTN’s fintech arm, MoMo, already serves over 63 million active users. The CTO shift could accelerate digital wallet services, cross-border payments, and AI-driven financial products, strengthening MTN’s fintech dominance. - Cybersecurity & Data Protection
As Africa experiences a rise in cyberattacks, Molapisi’s return to a technology role highlights MTN’s focus on resilient infrastructure and secure data management. - Operational Efficiency
Automation, AI, and cloud adoption will likely be priorities under Molapisi’s technical leadership, enabling MTN to cut costs and optimize services.
Future Outlook for MTN
Looking ahead, MTN’s future growth will depend heavily on digital-first strategies, particularly in high-growth markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
The CTO shift suggests MTN is preparing to double down on technology investments to retain its lead over competitors like Vodacom, Airtel Africa, and Safaricom.
If executed well, the leadership reshuffle could pave the way for MTN to become not just Africa’s largest telecom company, but a global tech powerhouse.
Conclusion
The MTN South Africa CTO Shift marks more than just a leadership change—it reflects a strategic recalibration that puts technology at the heart of MTN’s operations. By reassigning Charles Molapisi to the CTO role, MTN is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, 5G, fintech, and digital transformation.
For Africa’s tech and telecom sector, this shift may well prove a turning point, signaling how leadership choices shape the continent’s digital future.
