MTN Group has announced a series of senior leadership appointments, including a new Group Chief People and Culture Officer and new chief executives for its operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia, as the telecom operator advances its Ambition 2030 growth strategy across Africa.
MTN revealed that Mitwa Ng’ambi, currently Chief Executive Officer of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, will become MTN Group Chief People and Culture Officer and join the Group Executive Committee no later than September 1, 2026. She will succeed Paul Norman, who is set to retire later this year after nearly three decades with the company.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita said Mitwa will lead the company’s people and culture agenda during a critical phase of the Ambition 2030 strategy, which focuses on expanding digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
As part of the leadership transition, Abbad Rada, currently CEO of MTN Zambia, will take over as CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire. Larry Arnetts will succeed Rada as CEO of MTN Zambia. All appointments will take effect no later than September 1, 2026.
The appointments highlight MTN’s emphasis on internal talent development and succession planning. Earlier in 2026, MTN unveiled its refreshed five-year Ambition 2030 strategy, reflecting confidence in the long-term growth potential of telecommunications, digital services and financial technology across African markets.
Mitwa brings more than 15 years of telecom leadership experience across several African countries, including Zambia, Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. During her career, she has led business turnarounds, organizational restructuring initiatives, merger integrations, market repositioning programs and digital and AI-driven transformation projects. Her previous leadership roles include CEO positions at MTN Cameroon, MTN Rwanda, Airtel Tigo Ghana and Tigo Senegal.
Abbad Rada has built extensive leadership experience within MTN, serving in senior roles in Zambia, Afghanistan, Liberia and Ghana. MTN credited him with driving operational turnarounds, innovation initiatives and customer experience improvements while delivering market share, revenue and profit growth.
Larry Arnetts brings nearly 29 years of experience within MTN. Throughout his career, he has led commercial growth programs, digital transformation initiatives and product innovation efforts. His previous assignments include leadership roles at MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria and a secondment as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at Irancell.
