Ralph Mupita Elected as Deputy Chair of GSMA Board Until 2026

Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO of MTN Group, has been elected as Deputy Chair of the GSMA Board of Directors for the remainder of its term, extending through the end of 2026. In this role, he will assist the Chair and the Board in shaping the strategic direction of GSMA, an organization representing mobile operators and companies within the global mobile ecosystem.

Vivek Badrinath, Director General of GSMA, welcomed the appointment, stating:
“My warmest congratulations to Mr. Mupita on his election as Deputy Chair of the GSMA Board. His extensive experience will be a tremendous asset as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our industry. I am eager to collaborate closely with him and the Board moving forward.”

Mr. Mupita expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing its significance amid technological advancements and growing digital adoption, particularly in Africa.
“This appointment is a great honour, especially at a time of rapid technological progress and increasing digital uptake across Africa,” he said. “Mobile technology is poised to address critical challenges in our communities and unlock the vast potential of Africa and the Global South, ensuring inclusivity in the push for a more connected future.”

He added, “I am dedicated to supporting GSMA’s strategic vision, which is central to advancing the global mobile ecosystem. Together, we will drive innovation and meaningful change in the industry.”

Background and Leadership

Ralph Mupita has served as Group President and CEO of MTN Group since September 2020, following his tenure as the company’s Chief Financial Officer from April 2017. During his time at MTN, he has bolstered the company’s financial stability, refined its strategic approach, and overseen the successful public listings of MTN subsidiaries in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Before joining MTN, Mupita was CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, where he led financial services operations for individuals and corporations across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Education

Mupita holds a BSc in Engineering (Hons) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town. He has also completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School, further enhancing his leadership expertise.

With his appointment, Mupita brings a wealth of experience to GSMA, poised to influence the mobile industry’s trajectory at a pivotal moment for global connectivity.