MTN Group has appointed Shoyinka Shodunke as Executive: IT Core Design and Delivery, with the role taking effect on March 1, 2026.
The appointment was announced in an internal communication obtained by Technext. MTN said Shodunke will oversee the development and rollout of standardised, AI-enabled IT architectures across its markets.
Expanding AI-Powered Technology Capabilities
In his new capacity, Shodunke will drive the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, predictive analytics, and digital transformation programmes aimed at improving customer experience, boosting operational efficiency, and increasing service flexibility across MTN’s operations.
According to the company, the role is designed to accelerate innovation cycles and time-to-market while strengthening MTN’s technology foundations.
While he officially assumes the new position in March, Shodunke currently serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for MTN’s Nigeria and South Africa businesses.
During this period, he led major digital transformation projects impacting over 80 million customers and managed a technology workforce of more than 350 professionals.
Extensive Experience Across Africa’s Telecoms Sector
MTN noted that Shodunke brings nearly three decades of experience in technology leadership, innovation, and digital transformation within Africa’s telecommunications industry.
His career includes senior roles such as Director of Technology at Vodafone Ghana, Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN Cameroon, CIO at MTN Zambia, and General Manager of Architecture at MTN’s Shared Services Hub in Southeast Africa.
The group described him as a leader known for adaptive intelligence, collaboration, and value-driven innovation, with a strong focus on applying AI to enhance system resilience and human creativity at scale.
Awards and Professional Recognition
In 2025, Shodunke was named MTN Group CIO of the Year, recognising his contribution to MTN’s shift from a traditional telecoms operator to an AI-enabled technology company.
He has also received industry honours, including Tech Champion in Telecoms and CIO of the Year at the CIO and C-Suite Awards Africa.
Academic Qualifications
Shodunke holds an MBA from the University of Northampton, completed an Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School, and earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Management from the University of Salford, Manchester.
He also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mathematics and Statistics from the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria.
MTN Strengthens AI and Data Centre Strategy
MTN said the appointment reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding AI capabilities and digital infrastructure across Africa.
The group has been investing in data centre development, building local language models (LLMs), and partnering with global technology firms such as Microsoft to enhance digital services, including AI-powered MoMo chatbots.
As part of its broader plan to address Africa’s AI infrastructure gap and create new revenue streams, MTN is in discussions with U.S. and European partners to build data centres across the continent.
In an interview with Bloomberg in September 2025, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita said the company would directly finance part of the AI data centre investments, alongside co-investors, AI infrastructure providers, and hyperscalers such as Microsoft.
