MTN Group reshuffles leadership in Rwanda, South Sudan

MTN Group has reshuffled key leadership roles within its East African operations, announcing the reassignment of Mapula Bodibe and Ali Monzer as part of its broader strategy to align management with its long-term goals.

The announcement, made yesterday, marks a significant shift aimed at bolstering operational efficiency and nurturing future leadership within the telecom giant.

Mapula Bodibe, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Rwanda since 2022, will now lead MTN South Sudan. Her tenure in Rwanda was marked by notable achievements that have positioned the company as a major force in the country’s telecommunications sector.

These include the launch of MTN Rwanda’s proprietary 4G network, a collaboration with the Rwandan government on the Ikosora low-cost smartphone initiative, and a successful network upgrade in Kigali executed in partnership with Ericsson.

Bodibe also oversaw Rwanda’s first live demonstration of 5G technology, showcasing MTN’s commitment to innovation and digital advancement in the region.

Mapula Bodibe (technext)

Speaking on her departure, MTN Rwanda Chairman Faustin Mbundu acknowledged her contributions. “I would like to thank Mapula for her leadership at MTN Rwanda. She was key to MTN launching our own 4G network among many other achievements,” Mbundu said.

Ali Monzer, formerly the CEO of MTN South Sudan, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at MTN Rwanda. Monzer brings over 21 years of experience in the telecom sector, having led MTN South Sudan through a challenging economic and political climate characterised by hyperinflation, currency devaluation, and ongoing conflict.

Faustin Mbundu welcomed Monzer’s appointment with optimism. “His extensive experience of 21 years in telecoms will certainly bode well for MTN Rwanda,” he said, highlighting Monzer’s reputation for steering telecom operations under pressure.

Ali Monzer (technext)

The reassignments are part of a larger organisational realignment under MTN Group’s Ambition 2025 framework, which seeks to deliver sustainable growth and transformation across all its markets. The initiative emphasises leadership development, digital innovation, and localised operational excellence to keep pace with Africa’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

MTN’s Ambition 2025 and Regional Impact

MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, serves over 289 million subscribers across the continent.

Its Ambition 2025 strategy is a long-term roadmap with a focus on building Africa’s largest and most valuable platform business. Central to this vision is the strengthening of its fintech, digital, and enterprise services while continuing to deliver voice and data at scale.

In the context of this regional leadership shuffle, telecom is reinforcing its commitment to adapting business strategies to fit the unique socio-economic conditions of its diverse markets. The reassignment of seasoned leaders like Bodibe and Monzer underscores the Group’s belief in rotating talent across borders to enhance operational effectiveness and knowledge transfer.

Bodibe’s move to South Sudan is expected to bring new energy and expertise to a market that has grappled with instability and limited infrastructure. With her proven track record in network innovation and partnerships, she is expected to focus on expanding access to digital services and increasing mobile penetration in South Sudan.

For Monzer, the shift to Rwanda presents a new challenge in a more stable and digitally advancing market. His experience navigating volatility in South Sudan positions him well to build on Bodibe’s foundation and lead the Rwandan station through its next phase.

As Africa’s telecommunications industry expands, leadership continuity and cross-market expertise are increasingly crucial for long-term success. MTN Group’s decision to redeploy key executives demonstrates a proactive approach to aligning its leadership capabilities with the evolving demands of its operational environments.

The new appointments are expected to take immediate effect, with both executives transitioning into their roles over the coming weeks. The specific performance targets for either Monzer or Bodibe have not been disclosed, but the company has reiterated its goal to remain a leading force in Africa’s digital transformation.

By betting on experience and embracing internal mobility, the company aims to reinforce its brand as a pan-African telecom leader that is not only connecting people but also investing in leadership to power the future of communication on the continent.

Source: https://technext24.com/2025/04/24/mtn-reassigns-leaders-rwanda-sudan/