Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, has been elected to the GSMA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term, according to the mobile phone group.
The appointment was announced during the election of new board members by the GSMA, the global association representing the interests of the mobile ecosystem, including over 750 operators and almost 350 companies worldwide.
Mupita’s election underscores MTN’s strategy on leveraging mobile technology to bridge connectivity gaps and advance Africa’s digital transformation, according to the phone company.
“As an advocate for leveraging technology to drive economic growth and inclusion, Ralph’s focus on the Board will be on driving the African agenda, particularly in relation to the G6 commitments of closing the usage and coverage gaps; increasing investments; and securing a climate-smart future,” MTN said in a statement.
“I am honoured to join the GSMA Board at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa,” Mupita said.
“Mobile technology,” the MTN Group CEO said, “will play a critical role to address the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlock the full potential of Africa, and ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future.”
MTN sees Mupita’s role on the GSMA Board being instrumental in harnessing the potential of mobile technology to support sustainable development and economic growth.
The GSMA Board, which consists of 26 senior representatives from leading global and regional telecom operators, oversees the strategic direction of the organisation. The board members include executives from major operators such as MTN, Vodafone, Verizon, China Mobile, and Bharti Airtel.
José María Álvarez-Pallete López, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, has been re-elected as Chair of the GSMA Board for the new term, while Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, will serve as Deputy Chair.
Álvarez-Pallete emphasised the GSMA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration within the industry.
“I am honoured and excited to be re-appointed as Chair. I look forward to another term of working together with our talented team to achieve our goals and continue to make a lasting impact. Together, we will continue to stay at the forefront of trends and make a positive impact in our industry,” Lopez said.
“The industry is going through rapid change, driven by advances in technology, digital transformation, and the rise of AI. It is a very exciting time to be part of this transformation, and I am confident that with the leadership of the Chair and our Board, the GSMA is well-positioned to successfully continue to advocate for our members and achieve our goals,” according to Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA.
Granryd added that, “we are excited to welcome the new and re-elected Board members, and we thank the outgoing Board members for their outstanding support.”
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