Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, has been elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA Board of Directors. His appointment is effective immediately and will extend until the end of 2026. In this role, Mupita will assist the GSMA Chair in steering the strategic direction of the global organization, which represents mobile operators and companies within the broader mobile ecosystem.
Expressing his gratitude, Mupita stated, “This appointment is a great honor, especially during a time of rapid technological advancements and increasing digital adoption across Africa. Mobile technology will play a pivotal role in addressing critical challenges and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the Global South.”
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of GSMA, praised Mupita’s extensive experience, noting it would be invaluable in navigating the dynamic telecommunications landscape. “I look forward to working closely with him and the Board,” Badrinath added.
Mupita has led MTN Group since September 2020, previously serving as its Chief Financial Officer. Under his leadership, MTN subsidiaries in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda were successfully listed. Before joining MTN, he was CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, overseeing operations across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
With a BSc. Engineering (Hons) and MBA from the University of Cape Town, along with advanced management training at Harvard Business School, Mupita brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at GSMA.
