Jerry Soko named Eswatini CEO as MTN doubles down on internal talent

As the sun sets over Eswatini, casting a warm orange glow over the rolling hills and lush forests, Jerry Soko is no stranger to the country's landscape. For years, he's navigated the complex terrain of MTN's African operations, earning the trust of his superiors and the respect of his peers. It's evidence of his perseverance and dedication that on July 1, he'll assume the role of permanent CEO of MTN Eswatini, a position he's held on an acting capacity since November 2025.

Soko's seven-month tenure has been marked by significant improvements in the business, with the company stabilizing, operational discipline strengthening, and customer engagement deepening. It's a remarkable turnaround, one that has not gone unnoticed by MTN's leadership. In a statement, President and CEO Ralph Mupita praised Soko's leadership, saying, "Under Jerry's leadership, MTN Eswatini has regained strong momentum, improving performance, strengthening operational discipline, and deepening customer engagement." Mupita's words are evidence of Soko's ability to read the room and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the African telecom industry.

MTN's decision to promote Soko to permanent CEO is part of a broader strategy to develop and retain internal talent. Rather than looking outside for top executives, the company is increasingly relying on leaders developed within its own African operations. This approach is rooted in the company's Ambition 2030 strategy, which aims to transform MTN from a traditional telecom operator into a digital platform business spanning connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure.

MTN's strategy is not without its risks, of course. By promoting from within, the company may be limiting its access to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. However, the benefits of this approach are clear: Soko's deep understanding of MTN's operations, combined with his experience navigating the complexities of the African market, makes him uniquely positioned to drive the company's next phase of growth.

This approach is not new to MTN, however. On June 2, the company filled three senior leadership positions from its existing executive bench. Mitwa Ngambi, then CEO of MTN Côte d'Ivoire, was promoted to Group Chief People and Culture Officer. Her move triggered two more internal appointments, with Abbad Reda leaving MTN Zambia to lead the Côte d'Ivoire business and Larry Annetts succeeding him as CEO of MTN Zambia. These appointments are evidence of MTN's commitment to developing and retaining its internal talent.

As Soko assumes the role of permanent CEO, MTN Eswatini is poised for a new era of growth and expansion. With his leadership, the company is likely to prioritize network resilience, operational efficiency, and customer experience, while forging strategic partnerships to support Eswatini's digital economy. Soko's appointment is a vote of confidence in the company's ability to drive growth and innovation from within.

• Jerry Soko assumes the role of permanent CEO of MTN Eswatini on July 1
• Soko has been acting CEO since November 2025
• MTN is promoting from within, with a focus on developing and retaining internal talent
• The company's Ambition 2030 strategy aims to transform MTN from a traditional telecom operator into a digital platform business

As MTN continues to execute its Ambition 2030 strategy, the spotlight will be on Soko and the leadership team. Will their approach yield the desired results, or will the company's reliance on internal talent prove to be a limiting factor?In my opinion, MTN's decision to promote from within is a bold one, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming months. As a writer, I believe that this approach has the potential to yield a wealth of benefits, from improved operational efficiency to increased customer satisfaction. However, it also carries risks, and I'll be keeping a close eye on how Soko and the leadership team navigate the complexities of the African market.