The MTN Group announced the resumption of Kano’s Emir, Sanusi Lamido, as a member of its board on July 1.
Another Nigerian, Aisha Abdulahi, was also appointed as a member of the International Advisory Board whose operations will begin in July, a statement released by the group said.
While Mr Sanusi served as the central bank governor of Nigeria, Ms Abdullahi was the former political affairs commissioner of the African Union.
According to the statement, the IAB will be chaired by a former South African president, Thabo Mbeki, while the board will also be joined by a Kenyan national, Vincent Rague.
“The Board has decided to set up an international advisory board of prominent individuals with significant and vast experience,” the group said in the statement.
“The IAB’s primary objective will be to advise, guide and support the MTN Group from time to time in fulfilling its vision and objective of being one of the leading African telecommunications companies with a global footprint, contributing to increased digital inclusion in Africa and the Middle East, a key aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” added the statement.
In view of the recent challenging regulatory environments and competitive trading conditions, the group said restructuring had become necessary.
Meanwhile, the company said a significant change over the next 12 months will see MTN Group Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko stepping down from his position on December 15, 2019. He is expected to facilitate the board’s smooth operation and setting up the IAB.
Meanwhile, the group said Mcebisi Jonas was appointed Chairman-designate and would take on the position of Chairman of MTN Group as of December 15.
Similarly, the group said that Khotso Mokhele would assume the Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities, while Alan Harper, Jeff Van Rooyen and Koosum Kaylan would step down from the board after an orderly transition and transfer to incoming directors.
