Celebrating 25 Years of MTN in Cameroon

Wanda Matandela: Steering MTN Cameroon into a Bold New Era

As MTN Cameroon commemorates 25 extraordinary years of service, growth, and meaningful impact in the telecommunications sector, the entrance of Wanda Matandela as the new Chief Executive Officer marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. His appointment heralds a new era for the telecom powerhouse—one characterized by transformative innovation and a deeper commitment to engaging with local communities.

Wanda Matandela arrives with an impressive repertoire of professional expertise, underpinned by a remarkable combination of humility, strategic insight, and a sincere dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals. With over two decades of illustrious leadership experience spanning telecommunications, financial services, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), he possesses a profound understanding of the dynamic landscape of Africa’s rapidly changing markets. His ascent from Chief Enterprise Business Officer to Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa—and his involvement in board positions throughout countries like Rwanda—exemplifies a career marked by notable achievements, significant contributions, and a clear vision for the region’s future.

During his initial interactions with the MTN Cameroon team and various stakeholders, Mr. Matandela outlined his strategic priorities, which are firmly anchored in the principles of service excellence, customer-centricity, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. He unveiled an ambitious capital investment plan of CFA62 billion for the year 2025, representing the initial phase of a groundbreaking modernization initiative valued at CFA187 billion. This extensive project is poised to fundamentally enhance MTN’s service reach and customer experience across Cameroon.

Moreover, what sets Mr. Matandela apart is his authentic connection with people. He actively participates in grassroots town hall meetings, taking the time to engage with community members and understand their needs and aspirations. Additionally, he embraces local culture, relishing traditional dishes such as Achu alongside his team. By doing so, Wanda Matandela is not just positioning himself as a strategic leader, but as a relatable and compassionate figure, exemplifying that his approach to leadership goes beyond business—it is heartfelt and genuine.

“I want us to be leaders, not just in market share, but in how we serve, how we partner, and how we uplift the communities around us,” he stated during his welcome address in Douala.

Naija Diaspora Magazine,  proudly salute MTN Cameroon’s 25-year milestone—a journey of connecting millions, powering digital inclusion, and stimulating economic growth.

The publication also extends it heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Wanda Matandela on his appointment. As a pan-African media platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, diaspora stories, and sustainable development across the continent, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities his leadership brings.

The international magazine management reaffirm it readiness to collaborate with MTN Cameroon in this new era, particularly in advancing conversations around:

• Digital inclusion and education
• Diaspora business empowerment
• Tech for development
• Community-based storytelling and youth engagement

“We believe we can elevate voices and showcase the powerful synergies between Nigeria, Cameroon, and the wider African community in building a digitally empowered future,” said the publisher, Ismaila Adegbola.

He continued: “As Cameroon steps confidently into the next phase of its digital transformation, we are optimistic that MTN—under Mr. Matandela’s leadership—will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s telecommunications and technology landscape.”

Quick Facts: Wanda Matandela, CEO, MTN Cameroon

Fact                               Detail

Full Name                 Wanda Matandela

Country of Origin     South Africa

Marital Status                 Married

Appointment as CEO       Effective 1 March 2025

MTN Tenure                 Joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer

Previous Role                 Chief Commercial Operations Officer, MTN South Africa

Industry Experience   20+ years across telecoms, FMCG, and financial services

Education BCom (Walter Sisulu Univ.), Master’s in Information Systems (Wits), MBA (Stellenbosch), Leadership Cert. (IMD, Switzerland)

Board Memberships Supersonic (Pty) Ltd, MTN Rwanda PLC

Key Focus Areas Service excellence, customer-centricity, infrastructure investment (CFA 62 billion capex in 2025)

Context in Cameroon       Leading MTN during its 25th anniversary; overseeing ~13 million subscribers