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TELECOMMUNICATIONS : Stéphane Richard, former CEO of Orange, joins MTN Group

(LVDE) – South African telecom giant MTN has made a bold move. Since March 31, 2026, Stéphane Richard, former CEO of France’s Orange Group, has joined the company’s Board of Directors, bringing strategic expertise that could reshape competition between the two operators in Africa. A closer look at the stakes and prospects.

Esther Grâce Publié :7 avril 2026 | Mis à jour :7 avril 2026 3 minutes lues

The African telecommunications market is undergoing a decisive turning point in its history. MTN Group has announced the appointment of Stéphane Richard, former Chief Executive Officer of Orange, to its Board, alongside four other independent directors. At 63, a graduate of HEC and a former student of ENA, Richard brings more than a decade of leadership experience at Orange (2009–2022), where he oversaw the group’s international expansion and digital transformation. Despite notable legal challenges, his track record remains marked by the consolidation and structuring of the markets in which Orange operated.

For MTN, this appointment is far more than symbolic. Richard brings valuable industrial expertise, particularly in large-scale network deployment. Under his leadership, Orange made significant investments in fiber optics, reaching 5.6 million FTTH customers and achieving 58% coverage of fixed lines in France. This strategic vision is one MTN aims to adapt to African realities to strengthen its control over telecom infrastructure, notably through the imminent acquisition of IHS Holding, valued at $6.2 billion. This operation is intended to vertically integrate telecom towers, optimize costs, and improve service quality across key markets, from 2G to 5G.

However, Richard’s greatest asset lies in his deep knowledge of the African continent. During his tenure, Orange strengthened its presence in nearly twenty countries, expanded Orange Money, and turned Africa into a strategic pillar, with revenues rising from 8% to nearly 14% of the group’s total turnover, accounting for up to 50% of its growth. This expertise could enable MTN to capture additional market share from its former rival, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, where competition remains intense.

The 2025 performance figures highlight this rivalry. MTN Nigeria generated $3.67 billion in revenue, up 50.3%, while Ghana posted a 57.8% increase. Orange Middle East and Africa reported revenues of €8.42 billion (+12.2%), driven by mobile data, Orange Money, and fixed broadband services. These figures confirm that Africa remains a key strategic growth engine for both groups.

The appointment of Stéphane Richard, alongside the arrival of Herman Bosman, Ouma Rasethaba, Ignatius Sehoole, and Saf Yeboah-Amankwah, is part of MTN’s “Ambition 2030” strategy. “These changes reflect our commitment to strengthening governance, expertise, and strategic oversight,” said Mcebisi Jonas, Chairman of the Board. The objective is clear: to position MTN as a leading telecom player in Africa while leveraging the experience and market knowledge of the former Orange executive.

In sum, Stéphane Richard’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new phase of technological and strategic competition across the continent, where network control and digital innovation are becoming decisive growth drivers.