MTN Group has announced a major leadership appointment that is set to shape the future of its digital infrastructure and innovation across Africa. The pan-African telecommunications giant confirmed that Shoyinka Shodunke will assume the role of Executive: IT Core Design and Delivery from March 1, 2026. This strategic move reflects MTN’s commitment to strengthening its technology footprint and transforming its IT operations to remain competitive in a fast-changing digital landscape.
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A Leader with Deep Industry Experience
Shoyinka Shodunke is no stranger to the world of telecoms and digital transformation. With more than 29 years of experience spanning numerous countries and roles across Africa, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. His career includes senior leadership positions such as Director of Technology at Vodafone Ghana, Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN Cameroon, Chief Information Officer at MTN Zambia, and General Manager for Architecture at the MTN Shared Services Hub for Southeast Africa.
Currently, Shodunke serves in dual roles as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for both MTN Nigeria and MTN South Africa. In these capacities, he has led digital initiatives that impact more than 80 million subscribers and overseen technology teams of over 350 professionals. His leadership has been central to scaling digital services and improving operational resilience.
Colleagues and industry peers recognise Shodunke for his leadership style, which emphasises adaptive thinking, resilient system design, and collaboration that creates value for organisations and customers alike. A key focus of his work has been harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to boost human creativity, reinforce system strength, and drive innovation at scale.
In 2025, he was honoured with the MTN Group CIO of the Year award for his role in steering one of the continent’s most ambitious digital transformations. He also received notable industry accolades, such as the Tech Champion in Telecoms and the CIO of the Year awards at the CIO and C-Suite Awards Africa.
Building a Strong Foundation for Africa’s Digital Future
In his new role, Shodunke will be responsible for driving the standardisation and execution of MTN’s IT architecture across its markets, with a strong emphasis on AI-enabled systems. That responsibility includes integrating AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and other digital transformation initiatives. These efforts are designed to elevate the quality of customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and improve service agility across MTN’s expansive footprint.
As telecommunications companies around the world race to innovate, the importance of robust and flexible IT architecture cannot be understated. MTN’s leadership sees Shodunke’s appointment as a pivotal step in simplifying technology operations while enabling faster delivery of new services and products. AI-based systems are expected to reduce time-to-market for new digital services, enhance predictive insights for customer needs, and support dynamic responses to competitive pressures.
Shodunke’s academic credentials further support his leadership in this space. He holds an Advanced Management Programme certification from Harvard Business School, an MBA from the University of Northampton, a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Management from the University of Salford Manchester, and a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the Federal University of Technology in Nigeria.
MTN’s Broader Vision for Growth and Innovation
MTN Group has been aggressively pursuing digital transformation across its markets in Africa, focusing on connectivity, advanced IT systems, and innovation that enhances its core services. The company operates in 16 markets across the continent and serves over 300 million subscribers. Its strategic push into digital services aligns with broader trends in technology adoption in Africa, where mobile connectivity and digital solutions are increasingly driving economic growth.
MTN’s growth strategy in recent years has included major investments in next-generation technologies, including 5G networks, broadband expansion, digital payment systems, and enterprise digital services. The company’s leadership believes that stronger IT architecture and more efficient delivery models are essential in scaling these offerings sustainably.
This appointment also comes at a time when the company is deepening its focus on AI and automation. By embedding AI into its IT core, MTN is positioning itself to better understand customer needs, personalise service delivery, and optimise network performance. Experts say that operators who leverage AI effectively will be better equipped to handle increasing data traffic, manage complex systems, and respond quickly to market demands.
Shodunke’s new role could also play a part in strengthening MTN’s competitive edge in Africa’s crowded telecommunications market. The telco faces competition from other global operators and local players alike, all grappling to deliver faster, more efficient, and innovative services. A unified and AI-powered IT backbone is a key differentiator that could enable MTN to accelerate digital product launches and create seamless experiences for customers.
Leadership with Impact
For many who have followed Shodunke’s career, his trajectory is a testament to deep industry expertise grounded in practical outcomes. In earlier roles, he led successful projects involving digital convergence, system standardisation, and service improvements that had far-reaching impacts on subscriber experience and operational efficiency.
For instance, during his tenure leading IT functions in various MTN markets, Shodunke helped implement critical systems that improved service delivery speed and reliability. He has also overseen significant technology transitions, including platform modernisation and organisational IT strategy reforms. These experiences will be directly relevant as he takes on the challenge of harmonising MTN’s IT systems across its footprint.
As the telecoms industry continues to evolve, leaders like Shodunke are increasingly valued for their ability to balance technical insight with strategic vision. His role will involve not just technical oversight but also shaping how MTN leverages technology to unlock new business opportunities and deliver value to customers.
What This Means for the Industry
Regional technology experts and analysts view MTN’s move as reflective of a broader shift in the telecommunications sector. Traditional connectivity services are being redefined by digital platforms, cloud-based solutions, AI, and data analytics. Operators that blend these capabilities with core network services are expected to gain stronger positioning in emerging digital economies.
MTN’s appointment of a seasoned executive to oversee such a critical area signals a clear intent to not only adapt to change but lead it. With millions of subscribers relying on MTN’s networks for communication, finance, entertainment, and business services, the expectation is that improved IT design and delivery will have a positive impact on daily user experience.
Furthermore, MTN’s ongoing investments in digital transformation are closely watched by stakeholders across Africa’s tech ecosystem. Governments, regulators, and industry partners often look to MTN as a bellwether for technological progress, given the company’s size and influence in the market.
In summary, MTN’s appointment of Shoyinka Shodunke as Executive: IT Core Design and Delivery marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution towards a more agile, intelligent, and customer-centric organisation. It sets the stage for deeper digital transformation and underscores MTN’s belief that strong technology leadership is essential for future growth.
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