In a surprise move, pan-African telecom company MTN Group today announced the immediate departure of Frédéric Schepens, the current CEO of Bayobab, who will be replaced by Mazen Mroue, MTN Group chief technology and information officer, effective January 1, 2025, who will also serve as CEO of Digital Infrastructure.

MTN stated that this new post will include Bayobab's mobility and fibre businesses, as well as the execution of the telco's data centre strategy, in order to position MTN Group for growth and profitability in the development of artificial intelligence across Africa.

In this dual post, he will continue to report to the Group President and CEO while also serving on the Group Executive Committee, the telco stated.

On the exit of Schepens, the telco said: “We thank Frédéric for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours.” 

Some view Schepens' departure as predictable, given that MTN Group-owned Bayobab, a provider of pan-African digital communications solutions, suffered a significant setback in the first half of the current financial year, which was reported in August.

At the time, the company cited substantial impediments such as the violence in Sudan, currency instability, and undersea cable cuts as reasons for its poor performance.

This comes as the rivalry for the fibre market on the continent is intensifying, pitting Bayobab against other formidable peers, who are also seeking a significant part in the African fibre industry.

On Mroue, the telco today said since joining MTN in 1998, he has held various senior positions within the Group’s regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including CEO and COO roles across multiple operating companies.

It added: “He has also served as a board member of various companies within the MTN Group. Mazen's strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfil this dual mandate.”

MTN Group President & CEO Ralph Mupita extended his best wishes and appreciation to all incoming and outgoing employees, expressing confidence in the internal succession bench-strength of the business.

He emphasised the importance of driving the telco's execution plan and maintaining commitment to digital and financial inclusion priorities across MTN Group markets.