MTN Group announces key leadership changes in West Africa

MTN Group announces nomination Mohammed Rufai as CEO of MTN Congo-Brazzaville and Ayham Moussa as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MTN Nigeria, effective September 1 and August 19, 2024.


The telecommunications operator also announced the voluntary early retirement of MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO Djibril Ouattara and the departure of MTN Nigeria COO Hassan Jabber.


Mohammed Rufai is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in ICT and an impressive track record in the telecommunications industry. He joined MTN Nigeria in 2002 and later moved to MTN Ghana where he became the CTO in 2015.


Currently serving as Chief Technical Officer at MTN Nigeria, Mohammed has held various management positions within the MTN Group including Regional CTIO for South East Africa and Ghana. He is also a board member of Bayobab (Nigeria) and MTN Benin.


A driven leader, Mohammed is passionate about excellence in execution, people development and customer service. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and certificates in Advanced Management and General Management. Mohammed is a graduate of Lagos Business School, Cranfield University, UK and University of Cambridge, UK.


Mohammed takes over the reins of MTN Congo-Brazzaville from Ayham Moussa, who joins MTN Nigeria’s management team as COO. Ayham replaces Hassan Jabber, who is leaving MTN. Ayham first joined MTN in 2002, returned in 2006 after a short break and has served the organisation in various markets since then, including Syria and Guinea-Conakry. He has held senior management roles including Chief Information Officer, Chief Technical and Information Officer and CEO of MTN Congo-Brazzaville.


In his technology roles, Ayham played a key role in the country’s digital evolution from 2G to 4G, establishing MTN Congo-Brazzaville as a technology leader. His team’s efforts were recognized with awards for Best Network in West and Central Africa and MTN Group. As CEO, Ayham expanded MTN Congo’s leadership and business health, accelerating growth, margins and operational excellence while fostering strong relationships with diverse local stakeholders.


MTN Group Chairman and CEO Ralph Mupita thanked Djibril for his contribution to MTN over nearly nine years, saying he played a key role in building the business in Congo-Brazzaville and spearheading the reorganization of MTN Côte d’Ivoire. He also thanked Hassan for his enormous contribution to the Group’s success over 22 years, where he served as CEO in markets such as Sudan, Guinea-Conakry and Afghanistan.


“On behalf of the MTN Group and Group Exco management, I wish Djibril and Hassan every success in their future endeavours. I also congratulate Ayham and Mohammed on their appointments and wish them every success in their new roles,” he said.

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