At a Glance
- MTN names Karl Toriola VP for Francophone Africa, overseeing four markets.
- Ferdinand Moolman exits MTN Nigeria board, to lead MTN South Africa.
- MTN Nigeria posts $1.57 billion H1 2025 revenue, up 54.5% on data and fintech.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc said Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola has been appointed as Vice President for Francophone Africa at MTN Group Limited, extending his leadership across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Congo Brazzaville.
Toriola, who continues to serve as CEO of MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, brings over two decades of industry experience to the new role.
He previously led MTN’s West and Central Africa operations, overseeing growth strategies in multiple high-potential markets.
The appointment was confirmed in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), highlighting MTN’s strategy to deepen its footprint in Francophone Africa, a region seen as critical for future growth.
Leadership Transition at MTN South Africa
Alongside the announcement, MTN said Ferdinand Moolman, a Non-Executive Director at MTN Nigeria, will step down from the board effective October 31, 2025.
Moolman has been named Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Africa, effective November 1, 2025.
“The Board wishes to express its appreciation to Mr. Moolman for his immense service to MTN Nigeria and success in his new role,” the company stated, adding that it remains committed to sustaining growth and delivering long-term value to shareholders.
MTN Nigeria’s Growth Momentum
MTN Nigeria, the largest subsidiary of MTN Group, continues to dominate Africa’s telecom landscape with approximately 77 million subscribers.
Karl Toriola steered the company to a 54.5 percent surge in first-half 2025 revenue to $1.57 billion, driven by strong performance in data, fintech, and voice services.
Since launching in 2001, MTN Nigeria has built a reputation for innovation, offering mobile connectivity, internet access, bill payments, and device financing solutions.
The company remains one of Africa’s leading providers of communications services, powering both digital and financial inclusion.
Karl Toriola’s track record
Toriola joined MTN in 2006 and has held multiple senior roles, including CEO of MTN Cameroon and Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria.
Before his appointment as MTN Nigeria CEO, he served as Vice President for West and Central Africa.
His earlier career includes leadership positions at Airtel Nigeria and Ericsson in Switzerland and Nigeria.
Under his leadership, MTN Nigeria has deepened its footprint in mobile money and digital services while maintaining dominance in voice and data connectivity. His expanded role positions him to replicate that success across Francophone Africa, a region where MTN is pushing for accelerated growth.
