(Ecofin Agency) – MTN aims to become the main provider of digital services in Africa in order to meet growing demand. To achieve this, the development and strengthening of digital infrastructure is essential.
The South African telecommunications company MTN Group announced on Wednesday December 18 that it had given additional responsibility to Mazen Mroue (photo), currently director of technology and information. From January 1, 2025, he will take charge of the company's digital infrastructure business (Infraco), a newly created position.
This new role includes oversight of Bayobab's mobility and fiber activities, with the immediate departure of its CEO, Frédéric Schepens. Mazen Mroue will also be responsible for implementing the group's data center strategy. The objective is to position MTN on a trajectory of growth and profitability, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence across Africa.
This initiative is part of MTN's “Ambition 2025” strategy, which aims to make the group the leading digital service provider in Africa by 2025, in a context of rapid digital transformation. MTN notably chose to empower Bayobab by separating it from its main activity. This move aims to position Bayobab as a world-class, open-access digital infrastructure platform, serving not only MTN Group, but also other third-party players.
To achieve these objectives, MTN is banking on Mr. Mroue's solid experience in technology and operations, as well as his proven results. Since joining MTN in 1998, he has held various management positions within the Group's regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including as Managing Director and Director of Operations in several subsidiaries. He also served on the board of directors of several group companies.
However, MTN is not the only telecommunications company interested in digital services, particularly digital infrastructure, in Africa. Airtel Africa, for example, has in recent months launched subsidiaries dedicated to data centers (Nxtra), fiber optics (Telesonic) and digital advertising (Airtel Ads), in addition to its traditional mobile phone activities.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Published by Sèna DB de Sodji
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