MTN aims to become the leading provider of digital services in Africa to meet the growing demand. To achieve this, developing and strengthening digital infrastructure is crucial.

South African telecom company MTN Group announced on Wednesday, December 18, that it has given Mazen Mroue (pictured), currently the Chief Technology and Information Officer, an additional role. Starting January 1, 2025, Mroue will head the company's newly created Digital Infrastructure business (Infraco).

This new role includes overseeing the mobility and fiber operations of Bayobab, following the immediate departure of its CEO, Frédéric Schepens. Mroue will also be responsible for implementing the company’s data center strategy. The goal is to put MTN on a path of growth and profitability, especially in the area of artificial intelligence across Africa.

This initiative is part of MTN’s "Ambition 2025" strategy, aiming to make the company the leading provider of digital services in Africa by 2025, amid rapid digital transformation. MTN has also chosen to empower Bayobab by separating it from its core business. This move is intended to position Bayobab as a world-class open-access digital infrastructure platform, not just for MTN Group, but for other third-party players as well.

To achieve these goals, MTN is relying on Mroue’s extensive experience in technology and operations, along with his proven track record. Since joining MTN in 1998, he has held various leadership roles within the company’s regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including as CEO and Chief Operations Officer at several subsidiaries. He has also served on the boards of multiple MTN Group companies.

However, MTN is not the only telecom company focused on digital services, particularly digital infrastructure, in Africa. Airtel Africa, for example, has recently launched subsidiaries dedicated to data centers (Nxtra), fiber optics (Telesonic), and digital advertising (Airtel Ads), in addition to its traditional mobile phone services.