The GSMA Board of Directors has elected Ralph Mupita, the Zimbabwe-born engineer and businessman, as Deputy Chair for the remainder of its current term, which runs until the end of 2026. This follows the recent election of Bharti Airtel's Gopal Vittal as the chair of the organization. 

As Deputy Chair, Mupita will assist the Chair and Board in guiding the strategic direction of the GSMA (Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association). It represents mobile operators and companies across the global mobile ecosystem. He currently holds the position of the Group President and CEO of MTN Group, a position he has held since September 2020, after previously serving as MTN Group’s Chief Financial Officer from April 2017. 

Increasing Digital Adoption across Africa 

“This appointment is a great honor as it comes at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa," said Mr. Mupita, commenting upon his election as the deputy chair of GSMA. "Mobile technology will play a critical part in addressing the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the rest of the Global South, ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future,” he added, giving a sneak peek into his upcoming tenure. 

“I am committed to supporting the strategic direction of the GSMA, which plays a pivotal role in representing the global mobile ecosystem. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and positive change in the industry,” he further added.

Read about Gopal Vittal's appointment as the chair of GSMA at: Gopal Vittal Elected As GSMA Chair: What It Means for India’s Telecom Sector

Prior Experience

Before joining MTN, Mr. Mupita served as the CEO of Old Mutual Emerging Markets, where he led financial service solutions for individuals and businesses across 19 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Hons) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town, as well as a certificate from the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Read what boAt's Aman Gupta said at the Convergence India, 2025: ‘Ghanto se farak nahi padta. Efficiency matters to me more.” —boAt's Aman Gupta on Work Policies 

Future of Global Telecom 

AI and ML advancements have brought the telecom industry to a critical turning point. While the industry has yet to fully integrate AI into its innovations or establish a clear strategic direction to leverage the AI boom, GSMA’s role has become more crucial than ever. 

As the global community embraces recent advancements—such as the transition to 5G standalone, AI and ML innovations in telecom, and the rapid push for 6G development—the association is poised to play a crucial and influential role in the future.