GSMA appoints MTN CEO Ralph Mupita as deputy chair

The GSM Association (GSMA) has announced the election of Ralph Mupita, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, as its new Deputy Chair, effective immediately. Mupita will serve in this capacity through the remainder of the current board term, which runs until the end of 2026.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement published on the GSMA’s official website on Thursday.

“The GSMA Board of Directors has elected Ralph Mupita as Deputy Chair for the remainder of the Board term, until the end of 2026,” the association stated.

As Deputy Chair, Mupita will work alongside the Board and Chair in shaping the strategic direction of the GSMA, the global industry body representing mobile operators and companies within the broader mobile ecosystem.

Welcoming the appointment, Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, praised Mupita’s deep industry insight and experience, noting the significance of his leadership at a pivotal moment for the telecommunications sector.

“My warmest congratulations to Mr. Mupita on being elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA Board. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry. I look forward to working closely with him and the Board,” Badrinath said.

In his acceptance statement, Mupita highlighted the importance of mobile technology in driving digital transformation, especially across Africa and the Global South, where connectivity gaps still persist.

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 “This appointment is a great honour as it comes at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa,” Mupita said.

“Mobile technology will play a critical part in addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the rest of the Global South, ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future.”

Reaffirming his support for GSMA’s mission, Mupita pledged to work closely with the Board to drive innovation, strengthen industry collaboration, and advocate for sustainable and inclusive mobile development.

“I am committed to supporting the strategic direction of the GSMA, which plays a pivotal role in representing the global mobile ecosystem. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and positive change in the industry.”

Mupita has served as Group President and CEO of MTN Group since September 2020, after holding the role of Chief Financial Officer from 2017. Under his leadership, MTN has fortified its financial position and expanded its market presence, including the successful listings of subsidiaries in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Before joining MTN, he was the CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, where he managed operations across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Honours) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town, and is also an alumnus of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

With Mupita now positioned at the heart of one of the most influential global telecom bodies, industry stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on mobile innovation, connectivity equity, and digital inclusion in emerging markets.