Mission
The General Manager Technology Infrastructure’s role is to define and lead the adoption of AI‑enabled optimisation, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency capabilities across MTN Group’s Network Infrastructure, Data Centres and Project Zero portfolio. The role ensures alignment with MTN’s technology strategy, ESG and Net Zero commitments, cost efficiency objectives, and operational governance, while maintaining high availability, resilience and accountability across OpCos and PlatformCos.
Context
MTN is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. The urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which MTN operates. The Group’s Technology function must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:
Enhanced focus on ESG strategy and corporate sustainability. Focus on environmental protection and management of improved energy efficiencies and reduction of emissions, releases and waste
Development and management of Technology infrastructure agreements (Power as a Service, ESCO, etc) to ensure efficient and resilient operations of network infrastructure.
Rapidly changing ICT environment
The geographic complexity of MTN’s foot print across Africa and the Middle East
Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across all MTN markets and Platforms
Achievement of top quartile operating efficiency and effectiveness through scale and common processes
Driving growth through business intelligence and standardization to maximize business impact
Management of customer and supplier expectations
Enhance MTN position as a leading network and system provider
Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory and legal environments
Values
We at MTN are a purpose and value-led organization. At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.
Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.
As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us.
Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.
Live Y’ello
Lead with Care
Can-do with Integrity
Collaborate with Agility
Serve with Respect
Act with Inclusion
The General Manager - Network Infrastructure will be accountable to achieve the following objectives
Strategy, Vision and Roadmap for Infrastructure, Data Centres and Energy
Define and own the vision and roadmap for Network Infrastructure, Data Centres and Project Zero, aligned to:
MTN Group Technology strategy
ESG, Net Zero and TCFD commitments
Cost efficiency, availability and resilience objectives
Integrate AI initiatives into the broader Network Infrastructure, Data Centre and Passive Infrastructure strategy across the MTN Group.
Evaluate, research and introduce new AI‑enabled technologies supporting Project Zero, energy optimisation and infrastructure resiliency.
Energy Optimisation & Net Zero Enablement
Lead the introduction and scaling of AI‑based energy optimisation solutions, including:
AI‑driven reduction of power consumption at sites, shelters and data centres
Predictive optimisation of solar, battery, grid and generator usage
AI‑assisted load balancing based on traffic patterns, site conditions and environmental factors
Ensure AI solutions directly support:
Renewable energy adoption
Emissions reduction
CAPEX and OPEX optimisation
Oversee trials and evaluation of energy efficiency technologies, including solar, fuel cells, battery storage, efficient generators and cooling solutions.
Predictive Maintenance & Infrastructure Resilience
Establish and govern proactive, AI‑based infrastructure maintenance capabilities, including:
Predictive failure detection for power, cooling and passive assets
Early warning and anomaly detection to reduce unplanned outages
Data‑driven maintenance prioritisation and spares optimisation
Improve infrastructure resilience against climate risks and extreme weather events using AI insights.
Drive measurable improvements in network and data centre availability.
Operational Integration & Governance
Ensure AI solutions are embedded into existing operational platforms (NOC, DCIM, energy management, fault and performance management systems) without disrupting:
Operational accountability
Existing governance and SLA models
Define and implement AI governance frameworks, including:
Model performance oversight
Data quality, integrity and ownership requirements
Cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and explainability standards
Maintain alignment with Group, OpCo and PlatformCo governance forums and operating models.
Vendor, TowerCo and Partner Enablement
Act as Technology lead for AI‑enabled infrastructure requirements in all RFPs, contracts and partnerships related to:
TowerCos
ESCOs
Data Centre partners
Infrastructure and energy vendors
Ensure:
AI‑enabled monitoring and optimisation are included where relevant
Clear data ownership, access and performance transparency
AI supports operational decision‑making rather than replacing it
Lead vendor governance, SLA management, performance reviews and efficiency initiatives.
Tower deal and negotiation support
AI Pilots, Scale‑Up and Value Realisation
Oversee AI pilots and trials across energy efficiency, predictive maintenance and asset optimisation, ensuring:
Business case validation
Measurable cost, energy and availability benefits
Controlled and standardised scale‑up across OpCos and PlatformCos
Coordinate with PMO, operations and procurement teams to ensure effective delivery and adoption.
Infrastructure Design, Operations & Performance Management
Data Centre and passive site design guidance and best practice
Provide expert guidance on site design excellence to ensure optimal site and data centre performance by incorporating best practice and efficiencies with latest technologies
Lead end‑to‑end Network Infrastructure and Data Centre operations, including:
Monitoring, fault, configuration and performance management
KPI definition, reporting and benchmarking
Ensure high availability and quality of service across mobile and fixed networks.
Assess, approve and monitor infrastructure CAPEX and OPEX budgets across the Group.
Key Deliverables & KPIs
Energy & Sustainability
Demonstrable energy savings achieved through AI‑based optimisation of network and data centre infrastructure
Increasing access to, and use of, renewable energy across networks and buildings
Reduction in emissions aligned to Net Zero and ESG targets
Availability & Resilience
Reduction in unplanned infrastructure outages through AI‑driven predictive maintenance
Percentage increase in network and data centre availability
Improved infrastructure resilience to climate and environmental risks
Cost & Efficiency
Reduction in infrastructure‑related OPEX through predictive and preventive interventions
Improved CAPEX efficiency through data‑driven planning and asset utilisation
Asset & Operations Intelligence
Improved asset health visibility using AI‑based early warning indicators
Standardised infrastructure performance and energy reporting across the Group
Governance & Standardisation
Standardised AI usage model for infrastructure operations across MTN Group
Clear AI governance, data ownership and compliance frameworks embedded into operations
Education:
Minimum 4-year Academic Degree with Honours (B Eng. / BSc Degree Preferred)
MBA / Masters advantageous
English, French and Arabic (as advantage)
Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role
Experience:
Experience in management of Net Zero and Network Infrastructure programs advantageous
Minimum 5-8 years of Senior Management Experience
Minimum 5-8 years relevant sector/industry/area of specialisation
Relevant in experience/specialization in Network Design & Planning, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance landscape), Data Centres, Passive Infrastructure, Vendor and Contract management
Relevant in experience/specialization in Network Design & Architecture/ RAN/Core
Work across diverse cultures and geographies
Proven track record of business improvement and strategy development
Network design planning and rollout
Knowledge of RAN, voice and data core network, transport and IP network
Network optimization and efficiency
Infrastructure and data centre planning and cost optimization
Spectrum strategy
Adoption of new technologies
Competencies:
Business Acumen, Problem Solving, Information processing, Influencing others
Data interpretation, Judgement, Continuous improvement, Reporting
Get it done, Communication, Innovative, Agile, Accountable
Other:
As part of MTN’s recruitment process, your personal information may be processed using secure Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist with the shortlisting of candidates. This is done in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By applying for this position, you consent to the processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. All data will be handled securely and used solely for evaluating suitability for the role.
We are a purpose and value-led organization.
At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.
Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.
As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!
Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.
We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!