MTN Group has announced the appointment of Karl Toriola, the current Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, as Vice President for Francophone Africa. The appointment takes effect on November 1, 2025, and will see Toriola continue to lead MTN Nigeria while also overseeing Francophone markets such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
This dual role highlights MTN’s confidence in Toriola’s leadership and forms part of the company’s broader restructuring aimed at accelerating growth under its Ambition 2025 strategy.
Why MTN Chose Karl Toriola
Toriola is one of MTN’s most experienced leaders, with over two decades in the telecom industry. Since becoming CEO of MTN Nigeria in 2021, he has guided the company through periods of regulatory pressure, rapid data growth, and expansion into fintech.
His previous roles include:
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CEO of MTN Cameroon
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Interim CEO of MTN Congo Brazzaville
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Vice President for West and Central Africa
This background gives him extensive regional experience and makes him well suited to unify MTN’s operations across both Anglophone and Francophone Africa.
Driving the Ambition 2025 Strategy
MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy focuses on three key pillars:
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Connectivity – Expanding broadband services and digital access.
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Fintech – Scaling financial services such as mobile money.
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Digital Infrastructure – Investing in data centres, fibre networks, and AI-powered solutions.
With Nigeria already MTN’s largest and most profitable market, placing Toriola in charge of Francophone Africa allows the Group to align growth initiatives across regions and accelerate execution.
Other MTN Leadership Changes
Toriola’s expanded role comes alongside a series of leadership shifts across MTN Group:
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Ferdi Moolman appointed CEO of MTN South Africa.
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Charles Molapisi returns as Group Chief Technology and Information Officer.
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Yolanda Cuba becomes Deputy CEO of MTN South Africa.
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Tsholofelo Molefe, CFO, gains additional oversight of mergers and acquisitions.
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Ebenezer Asante takes charge of Ghana and Southern and East Africa operations.
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Mazen Mroué to focus on digital infrastructure, including fibre and satellite expansion
This restructuring strengthens MTN’s executive capacity as it enters the next phase of its transformation.
What This Means for MTN
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Leadership consolidation: Toriola’s appointment ensures stronger alignment between MTN’s largest market and its strategically important Francophone operations.
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Strategic execution: The move is designed to enhance MTN’s ability to deliver on Ambition 2025, especially in fintech and digital services.
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Growth focus: With over 290 million subscribers across Africa and the Middle East, MTN is positioning itself to maintain market leadership and expand into high-growth areas.
Final Thoughts
Karl Toriola’s dual role as CEO of MTN Nigeria and Vice President for Francophone Africa is more than a leadership reshuffle. It signals MTN Group’s intent to integrate operations, strengthen regional strategies, and push forward its digital and fintech ambitions.
As MTN continues to expand its footprint across Africa, Toriola’s leadership will be central to delivering growth in both established and emerging markets.
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