Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, on stage during the 2025 GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The GSMA board of directors has elected MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita as deputy chair for the duration of the board's tenure, which runs until the end of 2026.

According to the GSMA, in this post, he will assist the chair and board in supervising the strategic direction of the organisation, which represents the world's mobile operators and companies in the broader mobile ecosystem.

Vivek Badrinath, director general of the GSMA, commented: “His experience will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry. I look forward to working closely with him and the board.”

Mupita, for his part, stated: "This appointment is a great honour as it comes at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa. Mobile technology will play a critical part in addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the rest of the Global South, ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future”.

He added: “I am committed to supporting the strategic direction of the GSMA, which plays a pivotal role in representing the global mobile ecosystem. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and positive change in the industry.”