Nigerian Man, Rufai, Appointed CEO Of MTN Congo-Brazzaville—-MTN Group has announced the appointment of Mohammed Rufai, the current Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, as the new Chief Executive Officer of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.
This leadership change is part of a broader reshuffling within MTN Group’s West Africa operations. Ayham Moussa, the current CEO of MTN Congo-Brazzaville, will transition to MTN Nigeria to take up the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Rufai is set to begin his new role in Congo-Brazzaville on September 1, while Moussa will assume his duties in Nigeria on August 19, 2024.
In addition to these changes, MTN Group has also announced the voluntary early retirement of Djibril Ouattara, the CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, and the departure of Hassan Jabber, the COO of MTN Nigeria.
Rufai’s Career Highlights
Rufai is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the ICT sector and a notable career in the telecommunications industry. He joined MTN Nigeria in 2002 and later moved to MTN Ghana, where he was appointed Chief Technical Officer in 2015.
Currently, Rufai serves as the Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria. He has held several senior roles within the MTN Group, including Regional Chief Technical and Information Officer (CTIO) for Southeast Africa and Ghana. He also serves on the boards of Bayobab (Nigeria) and MTN Benin.
Described by MTN as a driven leader committed to excellence in execution, people development, and customer experience, Rufai holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science and certifications in Advanced and General Management. He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School, Cranfield University in the UK, and the University of Cambridge, UK.
Moussa’s Transition to MTN Nigeria
Moussa will replace Hassan Jabber as the COO of MTN Nigeria. Moussa first joined MTN in 2002, returned in 2006 after a brief hiatus, and has since served the organization in various capacities across markets including Syria and Guinea-Conakry. He has held senior roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Technical and Information Officer, and CEO of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.
In his technological roles, Moussa was instrumental in advancing Congo-Brazzaville’s digital landscape from 2G to 4G, solidifying MTN Congo-Brazzaville’s position as a technological leader. His team’s efforts earned awards for the best network in West and Central Africa and within the MTN Group.
As CEO, Moussa expanded MTN Congo’s leadership and business performance, driving growth, improving margins, and enhancing operational excellence. He also developed strong relationships with local stakeholders.
Recognizing Departures
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has praised the outgoing CEO of MTN Côte d’Ivoire, Djibril Ouattara, for his nearly nine years of service and his significant contributions to the business in Congo-Brazzaville and the turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.
Mupita also commended the outgoing MTN Nigeria COO, Hassan Jabber, for his 22 years of service, during which he held various roles, including CEO positions in markets such as Sudan, Guinea-Conakry, and Afghanistan.
This leadership transition marks a significant reshuffle within MTN Group’s operations, aiming to drive further growth and excellence across its West Africa markets.
