MTN Group Ltd. has restructured its South African operations to accelerate growth after its Nigerian subsidiary overtook the domestic market to become the company’s largest revenue contributor.
The company announced the appointment of Ferdi Moolman as Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Africa, succeeding Charles Molapisi, while Yolanda Cuba has been named Deputy CEO.
In addition, Chief Financial Officer Tsholofelo Molefe will now oversee mergers and acquisitions, expanding her role in driving the group’s investment and strategic agenda.
Nigeria Surpasses South Africa in Revenue Contribution
MTN Nigeria posted a 37.5 percent revenue increase to R28.4 billion ($1.6 billion) in the six months ended June 30, 2025. By contrast, sales in South Africa declined by 3.7 percent during the same period, underlining the shift in growth momentum.
Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita confirmed the development at a briefing, noting the group’s intention to reposition its South African business.
“We would like to see improved performance in commercial, and we need to step up pre-paid and post-paid. We want a much more resilient balance sheet. All in all, we expect to get that done in two to three years,” Mupita said.
MTN reported a net income of R9.75 billion for the half year, rebounding from a R7.39 billion loss recorded in the same period last year when currency depreciations in Nigeria and Ghana weighed on performance.
Strategic Refocus
The group has also outlined a renewed strategy to build three distinct platforms: connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure.
According to Mupita, MTN will continue its process of separating digital infrastructure assets through carve-outs and partnerships to strengthen operational efficiency and capital allocation.
The restructuring follows the announcement of MTN’s $5.2 billion fintech partnership with Mastercard, which positions the group to expand its digital and payments business across Africa.
Outlook
MTN has set a target of three years to restore growth in its South African operations while consolidating its leadership position in Nigeria, where regulatory tariff adjustments and subscriber growth have supported performance.
The group’s ability to balance rising competition, regulatory headwinds, and macroeconomic volatility in key markets will remain central to sustaining profitability and achieving its strategic ambitions across the continent.
