MTN Group has confirmed the appointment of Jerry Soko as the substantive Chief Executive Officer of MTN Eswatini, strengthening the telecommunications giant’s strategy of promoting experienced internal leaders to key positions across its African operations. Soko officially assumes the role on July 1, 2026, after serving in an acting capacity for several months.
The leadership confirmation follows Soko’s tenure as acting CEO, a position he held since November 2025 after the departure of former chief executive Wandile Mtshali at the expiration of his contract. During the interim period, MTN said the Eswatini business recorded stronger operational execution, enhanced customer engagement and improved organisational stability under his leadership.
Brandspur Brand News reports that Soko’s elevation aligns with MTN Group’s broader succession planning approach, which prioritises executives who have built extensive experience within the company’s operations across different African markets. The strategy is aimed at ensuring leadership continuity while leveraging institutional knowledge to drive long-term growth.
As one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies, MTN has increasingly relied on internal talent for senior executive appointments, reflecting confidence in leaders who understand the group’s business model, regional markets and operational priorities. The approach has become a key part of the company’s leadership development framework as it expands digital services and strengthens its presence across the continent.
Soko is expected to lead MTN Eswatini’s next phase of growth, focusing on operational excellence, customer experience and the company’s broader digital transformation agenda. His appointment comes as telecom operators across Africa continue investing in network expansion, financial technology services and improved connectivity to meet rising demand from consumers and businesses.
MTN Group operates in numerous African and Middle Eastern markets and has consistently positioned leadership development as a strategic priority, with experienced executives from within its network increasingly taking on top management roles across its subsidiaries. The latest appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to developing home-grown leadership while maintaining continuity in its operations across the region.
