MTN boss Karl Toriola seals strategic Pact in Brazzaville

Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria and newly appointed overseer of MTN’s Francophone Africa operations, was this week received at the Presidential Palace in Brazzaville, underscoring the telecom giant’s growing strategic footprint across Central Africa.

Toriola met with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso to discuss MTN’s role in advancing the Republic of Congo’s 2022–2026 National Development Plan, particularly in the areas of digital infrastructure, connectivity and financial inclusion.

The high-level engagement signals MTN’s intention to align closely with Congo’s development priorities, positioning telecommunications as a key driver of economic growth and social inclusion.

During the discussions, Toriola outlined a strategy centred on expanding network quality, accelerating broadband penetration and extending digital services to underserved communities.

“As we continue with our digital development and connection drive, we have been rolling out aggressively all over Congo, even to the villages,” he said.

“We have launched more than 100 rural villages with 4G coverage. It is now possible to make video calls, download documents and perform multiple online actions in the villages.”

He attributed the pace of expansion to what he described as a stable operating environment and commended the Congolese government for its cooperation.

Also present at the meetings was Mohammed Rufai, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Congo Brazzaville and former Chief Technology Officer of MTN Nigeria.

Congo’s development plan places emphasis on modernising infrastructure and expanding digital access, particularly in rural areas. MTN’s commitment to deepen 4G rollout and strengthen backbone infrastructure is expected to support these goals, enhancing productivity and access to public services.

Beyond connectivity, Toriola highlighted financial inclusion as a priority, signalling plans to broaden local participation in MTN Congo’s capital structure.

By opening up investment opportunities to national stakeholders, the company aims to ensure that economic value generated within the telecom sector circulates domestically.

Industry observers view the move as a strategic attempt to foster local ownership and align corporate growth with community empowerment.

Toriola’s expanded oversight of Francophone Africa reflects MTN Group’s confidence in his leadership, following his tenure steering Nigeria’s largest telecom operator through regulatory reforms, digital transformation and capital market milestones.

His visit to Brazzaville reinforces Nigeria’s influence within Africa’s corporate landscape and highlights the increasing interconnection of African economies through digital infrastructure.