AFRICA – MTN Group, a multinational mobile telecommunications company, has announced the appointment of new CEOs for operations in Cameroon, Rwanda and Uganda effective 1 September 2022.

MTN Rwanda CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi becomes CEO of MTN Cameroon, replacing Stephen Blewett, who is leaving the Group.

“My thanks to Stephen for his valuable contribution to the MTN Group over the years and wish him well as he journeys to new opportunities outside of the African continent,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.

Ng’ambi, who has been a member of the MTN family for a cumulative of 10 years, oversaw the listing of MTN Rwanda as well as the establishment of its fintech subsidiary.

“We would like to thank Stephen for his valuable contribution over the years and we welcome Mitwa to the MTN Cameroon family,” MTN Cameroon Chairman Colin Mukete said.

“We are confident that her experience, exceptional leadership skills and expertise will benefit MTN Cameroon and its stakeholders. We wish her success in her new role as we execute our ambition 2025 strategic prioties.”

She was instrumental in strengthening the business’s stakeholder engagement and has also worked in MTN’s Benin and Zambian operations.

“I would like to thank Mitwa Ng’ambi for her immense contribution to MTN Rwanda and the telecommunications industry in Rwanda. I wish her all the best, as she moves to MTN Cameroon,” said MTN Rwanda Chairman, Faustin Mbundu.

Commenting on her imminent departure, Ng’ambi said, “To be part of the digital transformation that the country is pursuing overall, has been nothing short of inspiring.

“The people I have met and served through this digital transformation journey; I will forever cherish. As MTN we have done a lot in the last few years, and there still remains a lot more to do. I look forward to seeing MTN Rwanda’s star continue to rise under the leadership of Ms Bodibe.”

Mapula Bodibe takes the helm at MTN Rwanda

MTN South Africa Chief Consumer Officer Mapula Bodibe takes the helm at MTN Rwanda, bringing with her more than 15 years’ experience with MTN, including in Uganda.

She has a strong background in commercial strategy, consumer marketing, customer strategy, brand management and communications, product management and customer analytics.

“I welcome Mapula Bodibe to Rwanda on behalf of MTN Rwanda,” said MTN Rwanda Chairman, Faustin Mbundu.

“It is indeed an honour to represent a Group that not only recognises the immense talent that we have internally within the MTN Group, but also harnesses and encourages growth within the business. Bodibe steps into a role that has been ably executed by Mitwa Ng’ambi.”

Sylvia Mulinge becomes MTN Uganda CEO

Sylvia Mulinge, the current Chief Consumer Business Officer for Safaricom group, has been appointed as MTN Uganda CEO. A seasoned executive, she brings with her a passion for transforming customers’ lives using technology.

“I would like to welcome Sylvia Mulinge to MTN Uganda. I believe that her experience will be beneficial to MTN, particularly given her alignment to our strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” Chairman of the Board of Directors for MTN Uganda Charles Mbire said.

“The Board is confident that Ms. Mulinge will continue the work of growing the Company as a leading provider of telecommunications and digital solutions.”

Safaricom’s Sylvia Mulinge has left the telco after working with the company for more than 16 years.

She started working at Safaricom in the Enterprise division as a Prepay Product Manager, then proceeded to be Head of Retail from 2007 to 2009. She then became the General Manager Enterprise Business Unit before starting a new role as a Chief Consumer Business Officer.

In 2018, she was promoted to Chief Customer Officer, making her one of the few leaders at the telco with the Chief title.

She is among a group of long-serving Safaricom executives who have steered the company that grew to become the largest in the region by sales, earnings, and market value.

CEO Peter Ndegwa said she has been instrumental in setting up two key business in Safaricom, Enterprise and Fixed Data.

“A champion of digital transformation, Sylvia is a purpose led and impact driven business leader,” he said.

Wim Vanhelleputte appointed Operating Executive for WECA Markets

Mulinge replaces Wim Vanhelleputte, who will take on the new MTN Group role of Operations Executive for Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, and Congo-Brazzaville.

In this position, he will leverage his experience in furthering financial inclusion and strengthening MTN’s position as a market leader. He will report to Senior Vice President: Markets, Ebenezer Asante -Twum.

Vanhelleputte is a former MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO and has extensive operational experience across Africa.

“I welcome Sylvia to the Y’ello family and look forward to working with her, as well as with Mitwa, Mapula and Wim in their new roles, as we continue to execute on our Ambition 2025 strategy,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.

“The appointment of these executives, all with strong track records of execution and results, adds to our confidence on delivery of our Ambition 2025 strategy.”

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