MTN’s Mupita retains seat on global telecoms board

Mupita has been re-elected for the 2027–2028 term after joining the GSMA board in 2026, when he also took on the role of deputy chairperson.

The appointment gives South Africa's largest mobile operator a seat at a key global industry forum at a time when telecommunications companies are facing major changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and the push to expand affordable connectivity.

For MTN, the role also provides an opportunity to put some of the challenges facing South Africa and the broader African market higher on the global telecommunications agenda.

These include closing coverage and usage gaps, attracting investment into digital infrastructure and making mobile and data services more accessible to underserved communities.

Mupita said his continued involvement with the GSMA was particularly important as AI begins to reshape the telecommunications sector, while large parts of Africa and other emerging markets remain unconnected.

“Mobile remains the most powerful means we have of widening access to opportunity,” said Mupita.

He said collaboration between operators, the wider technology ecosystem and policymakers would be critical to sustaining investment and improving affordability.

The GSMA represents mobile operators and businesses across the broader mobile ecosystem globally. Its board comprises 26 senior representatives from mobile operators, including multinational groups and smaller independent operators.

Mupita's re-election comes as South Africa's telecommunications sector continues to play a central role in the country's digital economy. MTN, alongside other major local operators, is investing heavily in network infrastructure as demand for mobile data, cloud services and digital products continues to grow.

At the same time, South Africa faces the broader African challenge of ensuring that increased network coverage translates into meaningful digital adoption, particularly where the cost of devices, data and services remains a barrier.

Mupita has led MTN Group as president and CEO since September 2020. He previously served as the group's chief financial officer.

Before joining MTN's senior leadership, he headed Old Mutual Emerging Markets, overseeing operations across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

He holds a BSc Engineering (Hons) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town and has also completed the General Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

His continued role on the GSMA board gives MTN and South Africa a direct voice in global discussions around the future of mobile connectivity, AI, infrastructure investment and digital inclusion.

The new GSMA board will serve from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.